Donald Trump, during his tenure as president-elect, engaged in a 45-minute phone conversation with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, with the discourse centering on Trump's controversial demand to purchase Greenland. The call, characterized as aggressive and confrontational by several senior European officials, reignited tensions between the United States and Denmark. Frederiksen firmly refused the proposition, reiterating that Greenland is "not for sale," a stance that has led to a diplomatic crisis in Denmark.
Greenland, an expansive Arctic territory spanning 836,300 square miles, holds significant economic interest due to its rich deposits of oil, gas, and raw materials essential for green technology. Although Denmark oversees Greenland's foreign and security policies, Greenland maintains its own parliament and gained home rule in 1979. Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland stems from its potential economic security benefits for the U.S., a notion he previously expressed. However, Frederiksen emphasized that "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders."
"Seen through the eyes of the Danish government, Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders." – Mette Frederiksen, Danish prime minister
The conversation was described by a former Danish official as a "very tough conversation," with Trump allegedly threatening specific measures against Denmark, including the imposition of targeted tariffs. This aggressive approach has left Danish officials in "crisis mode," as they grapple with the potential ramifications of Trump's demands.
"We are Greenlanders. We don’t want to be Americans. We don’t want to be Danish either. Greenland’s future will be decided by Greenland." – Múte Egede, Greenland’s prime minister
"The intent was very clear. They want it. The Danes are now in crisis mode." – (no attribution)
Frederiksen's outright refusal to entertain the idea of selling Greenland underscores the island's desire for autonomy. Múte Egede, Greenland’s prime minister, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the islanders’ aspiration to determine their future independently.
"We wanted to break free from the shackles of colonialism." – Múte Egede, Greenland’s prime minister
Despite the firm stand from both Greenlandic and Danish leaders, Trump has refused to rule out using U.S. military force to acquire the island. This potential escalation only adds fuel to an already volatile situation.
"The Danes are utterly freaked out by this." – (no attribution)