US President-elect Donald Trump has refused to rule out using military or economic action to make Greenland part of the United States. The comment has jolted European allies, with Denmark’s foreign minister saying that Europe will not let other nations attack its sovereign borders.
Greenland, a mineral-rich and strategically important island under Danish rule, may become independent if its residents want, but is unlikely to become a US state. President-elect Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., made a private visit to Greenland on Tuesday, sparking concerns about the future of the island.
The US has strategic significance for the US military and its ballistic missile early-warning system, which runs via the Arctic island. However, Greenland’s government, led by Prime Minister Mute Egede, aims for eventual independence.
“We fully recognise that Greenland has its own ambitions,” said Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. “If they materialise, Greenland will become independent, though hardly with an ambition to become a federal state in the United States.”
Despite Denmark’s downplaying of the seriousness of Trump’s threat, European allies are taking note. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that Europe would not let other nations attack its borders, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed surprise at Trump’s comments.
The strained relations between Greenland and Denmark have been ongoing due to allegations of mistreatment of Greenlanders. The Danish government says the territory’s fate can only be decided by Greenlanders.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/greenland-leader-meet-danish-king-amid-trump-bid-take-over-territory-2025-01-08