Greenland Rejects US Takeover as Trump Hints at Force

Political leaders in Greenland have issued a firm rejection of American control after U.S. President Donald Trump renewed his interest in the mineral-rich territory, suggesting Washington might use force to acquire it. The unified stance comes as European allies express alarm over the White House's refusal to rule out military action.

In a joint statement, leaders of five parties in Greenland's parliament declared their national identity and right to self-determination. "We don't want to be Americans, we don't want to be Danish, we want to be Greenlanders," the statement read. "The future of Greenland must be decided by Greenlanders... without interference from other countries."

The declaration followed Trump's comment that Washington was "going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not."

Europe Scrambles as Invasion Fears Grow

The remarks have sent shockwaves through European capitals. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot labeled the U.S. posture "blackmail" but expressed doubt that a military intervention would actually occur. "Greenland is a European territory, placed under the protection of NATO," he stated. "The Europeans have very powerful means to defend their interests."

In Denmark, public anxiety is palpable. A poll by the Ritzau agency found that over 38 percent of Danes believe the United States will launch an invasion of Greenland during the Trump administration.

This sentiment is echoed on the streets of Nuuk, Greenland's capital. "American? No! We were a colony for so many years. We're not ready to be a colony again," said Julius Nielsen, a 48-year-old fisherman.

Inaluk Pedersen, a 21-year-old shop assistant, noted the strain on regional ties, saying, "I feel like the United States' interference disrupts all relationships and trust" between Denmark and Greenland.

The Push for Independence Meets a New Challenge

A former Danish colony until 1953, Greenland gained home rule 26 years later and has been debating full independence. While many, like telecoms worker Pitsi Mari, support the idea in principle, they urge caution. "I really like the idea of us being independent, but I think we should wait," she said.

The current ruling coalition favors a measured approach to sovereignty. However, the opposition party Naleraq, which secured 24.5 percent of the vote in the 2025 legislative elections, advocates for a faster timeline. Despite its stance on independence, Naleraq was also a signatory to the joint declaration rejecting U.S. influence.

"It's time for us to start preparing for the independence we have fought for over so many years," Naleraq MP Juno Berthelsen posted on Facebook.

Trump's Arctic Gambit: Security or Resources?

President Trump has framed his interest in Greenland as a matter of national security, citing growing Russian and Chinese military activity in the Arctic. The U.S. has maintained a military base on the strategic island since World War II.

"We're not going to have Russia or China occupy Greenland. That's what they're going to do if we don't," Trump said, adding, "So we're going to be doing something with Greenland, either the nice way or the more difficult way."

While Russia and China have increased their regional military presence, neither has made a territorial claim on the island. Greenland has also drawn global attention for its vast natural resources, which include rare earth minerals and potentially large oil and gas reserves.

High-Stakes Diplomacy and the Future of NATO

The crisis has triggered a flurry of diplomatic activity. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with Denmark's foreign minister and representatives from Greenland. European leaders are attempting to de-escalate the situation while managing a volatile relationship with Trump, who is nearing the end of his first year back in office.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a stark warning, stating that an invasion of Greenland would destroy "everything," including the NATO defense pact and the entire post-World War II security structure.

Trump, who first offered to buy Greenland during his previous presidential term in 2019, remained dismissive of Denmark's historical claim. "The fact that they had a boat land there 500 years ago doesn't mean that they own the land," he commented.