The newly elected prime minister of Greenland, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent claims regarding the island’s future, emphasizing that Greenland’s sovereignty belongs solely to its residents.
Trump’s Claims and Greenland’s Response
In a recent interview with NBC News, Trump asserted that the United States would “100% get” Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark. He hinted at the possibility of acquiring the island without military intervention, stating, “there’s a good possibility that we could do it without military force,” but he did not rule out any options.
In response, Prime Minister Nielsen took to Facebook to urge the people of Greenland to remain united in the face of growing U.S. pressure. “We must not act out of fear. We must respond with peace, dignity, and unity,” he wrote, asserting, “The U.S. is not getting that. We do not belong to anyone else. We determine our own future.”
Nielsen’s Vision for Greenland
As the leader of the Demokraatit party, Nielsen was elected earlier this month in a surprising victory. His platform is focused on protecting Greenland’s autonomy, reducing dependence on Denmark, and encouraging international investment while maintaining control over local resources. He reiterated that Greenland’s future is in the hands of its people, stating, “It was like that yesterday. That’s how it is today. And that’s how it will be in the future.”
Tensions Rise with U.S. Officials
Tensions have escalated recently, particularly following a visit from U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who criticized Denmark’s governance over Greenland. Speaking at Thule Air Base, Vance claimed that Denmark had “largely failed the people of Greenland,” suggesting that the territory would benefit from being under the United States’ security umbrella.
Historical Context of Claims
The idea of the U.S. acquiring Greenland is not new; Trump first mentioned it in 2019 and has revived the proposal since taking office. U.S. officials view the island as a strategic asset due to its location and the potential for untapped natural resources. In light of these developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautioned against dismissing U.S. annexation plans as mere “extravagant talk,” recalling that such ambitions date back to the 1860s.
A Call for Unity
As the situation unfolds, Prime Minister Nielsen’s call for calm and unity serves as a reminder of Greenland’s resilience and determination to maintain its sovereignty. The messages from both Greenland’s leadership and its residents reflect a strong commitment to self-determination in the face of external pressures.
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