The Prime Minister of Greenland, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s latest push to bring the Arctic territory under Washington’s control. In a direct and unequivocal statement, Nielsen assured Greenlanders that their island’s autonomy would not be compromised, despite mounting pressure from the US administration.

Trump reignited the controversial claim over Greenland during a recent interview with NBC News, stating that Washington would “100% get” the territory. He further suggested that there was a “good possibility that we could do it without military force,” while simultaneously refusing to rule out any options. His remarks have sparked outrage in Greenland and Denmark, reigniting tensions over US ambitions in the Arctic region.

In response, Nielsen took to Facebook on March 30 to issue a strong but measured statement. He urged Greenlanders to remain calm but resolute in defending their sovereignty.

“We must not act out of fear. We must respond with peace, dignity, and unity,” Nielsen wrote.

He directly addressed Trump’s assertion, stating, “President Trump says the United States is ‘getting Greenland.’ Let me make this clear: The US is not getting that.”

Nielsen emphasized Greenland’s right to self-determination, making it clear that neither the US nor any other foreign power could dictate its future.

“We do not belong to anyone else. We determine our own future. And it is through these values that we must clearly, clearly, and calmly show the American president that Greenland is ours. It was like that yesterday. That’s how it is today. And that’s how it will be in the future.”

Trump’s renewed claim over Greenland comes at a time of increased geopolitical competition in the Arctic. Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, is strategically located between North America and Europe and boasts vast untapped natural resources, including rare minerals and hydrocarbons.

Trump originally floated the idea of acquiring Greenland in 2019, when he was in office, but Denmark swiftly dismissed the notion. His proposal was widely mocked at the time, leading to a diplomatic rift between Washington and Copenhagen. Since returning to the White House, Trump has revived the idea, citing Greenland’s potential value to the US military and economy.

The US already maintains a significant presence in Greenland through Thule Air Base, a key American military installation located in the island’s northwestern region. Thule serves as a crucial part of the US missile defense system and Arctic surveillance operations. However, Washington’s latest push to assert further influence in Greenland has escalated tensions with both Greenlandic and Danish leaders.

The situation intensified last week following a visit to Greenland by US Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife. Speaking at Thule Air Base, Vance criticized Denmark’s governance of Greenland, arguing that Copenhagen had “largely failed the people of Greenland.” He further claimed that Greenland would be “a lot better coming under the United States’ security umbrella.”

These remarks were perceived as an open challenge to Denmark’s role in Greenland and as an attempt to sow discord between Greenlanders and the Danish government. Many in Greenland and Denmark see Washington’s approach as both patronizing and a blatant attempt to expand US influence over the Arctic.

Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of the centrist Demokraatit party, was elected as Greenland’s prime minister earlier this month in a surprising victory. His campaign focused on safeguarding Greenland’s autonomy while also reducing economic dependence on Denmark. He has championed greater international investment but insists that Greenland must retain control over its own resources.

Nielsen’s election signals a shift in Greenland’s domestic politics, where discussions of greater autonomy or eventual independence from Denmark are gaining momentum. However, that independence is envisioned on Greenland’s own terms-not as a shift from Danish to American control.

The renewed US interest in Greenland has not gone unnoticed by other global powers, particularly Russia. Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined Moscow’s Arctic strategy and warned that Washington’s designs on Greenland should not be dismissed as “extravagant talk.”

Putin pointed out that US ambitions in Greenland date back to the 1860s, when Washington first attempted to buy the island from Denmark. The US made similar overtures during the Cold War, seeking to use Greenland’s strategic location to counter Soviet influence in the Arctic.

Moscow has long viewed the Arctic as a crucial region for its national security and economic development. With Russia expanding its military and economic presence in the Arctic, a US move to annex Greenland would likely trigger heightened tensions between Washington and Moscow.

The debate over Greenland’s status is emblematic of broader geopolitical rivalries playing out in the Arctic. As climate change makes the region more accessible for economic exploitation, global powers are jostling for influence.

Denmark has reaffirmed its commitment to Greenland’s autonomy and has rejected Trump’s suggestion that Washington could claim the island. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed Trump’s renewed push as “absurd,” echoing her stance from 2019 when she called the idea “not something to be discussed.”

Meanwhile, the European Union has also expressed concern over US attempts to assert dominance in Greenland, with several European leaders warning against any moves that could destabilize Arctic governance.

Despite pressure from the US, Greenland’s government remains resolute. Nielsen has called for unity among Greenlanders, urging them to resist outside attempts to manipulate their future.

While Greenland continues to navigate its relationship with Denmark and seeks to expand its economic partnerships, it has made one thing clear: it will not be a pawn in Washington’s Arctic ambitions.

With the world watching, Greenland’s leadership has drawn a firm line in the icy Arctic terrain-one that neither Trump nor any other foreign leader will easily cross.

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Source: Weekly Blitz :: Writings