Denmark responds to Trump's Greenland remarks amid autonomy push

Denmark has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks suggesting the United States could "get" Greenland, as the island moves toward greater autonomy.

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen (R) and Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen (L) attend a joint press conference during their meeting in Helsinki, Finland, 05 March 2025.

EPA/KIMMO BRANDT

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said Greenland seeks looser ties with Denmark but denied any indication of a U.S. alignment.

“We are working toward more equal relations, but I have no idea if that means they want to join the U.S.,” he said in Helsinki after meeting his Finnish counterpart.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute B. Egede dismissed Trump’s comments. “We are Greenlanders, not for sale or takeover,” he stated.

Trump had told Congress that the U.S. supported Greenland’s right to self-determination and added, “We will get it, one way or another.”

Trump’s message to the people of Greenland is a naked threat…

“We’re going to get Greenland

…one way or another”

And the laughs are all the more chilling.

pic.twitter.com/RnGkiSbjob

— Marina Purkiss (@MarinaPurkiss) March 5, 2025

A January poll showed 85% of Greenlanders oppose U.S. control, though most favor eventual independence. The island expanded its self-governance in 2009 and is preparing for a future referendum on full sovereignty.

(jh)

Source: RMF24, PAP