Greenland’s new Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen made it clear on Sunday that Greenland is not for sale. Standing alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Nielsen strongly pushed back against recent statements from U.S. President Donald Trump expressing interest in taking control of the mineral-rich Arctic island.
“Greenland will never, ever be a piece of property that can be bought by just anyone,” Nielsen said during a press conference held at the Danish prime minister’s official residence in Lyngby, just north of Copenhagen.
Nielsen Criticizes U.S. Approach
Nielsen criticized the way American officials had spoken about Greenland, calling their comments disrespectful.
“The talks from the United States have not been respectful,” Nielsen said. “The words used have not been respectful. That’s why, in this situation, we need to stand together.”
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark but has been moving steadily toward eventual full independence. Recently, political parties in Greenland agreed to form a broad coalition government to present a united front against outside pressures, including U.S. interest.
Denmark Reaffirms Support for Greenland
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized Denmark’s ongoing commitment to Greenland, not just because of history but because of their shared future.
“Denmark has the will to invest in the Greenlandic society,” Frederiksen said. “We don’t just have that for historical reasons. We also have that because we are part of the Danish commonwealth.”
She added, “We of course have a will to also continue investing in the Greenlandic society.”
Meetings with Danish Royalty and Future Plans
As part of his official trip, Nielsen will meet with King Frederik X on Monday before returning to Greenland. He and the Danish Prime Minister will also participate in a royal visit to Greenland, aiming to strengthen ties between the island and Denmark.
When asked whether a meeting between the Greenlandic and Danish leaders and President Trump was being considered, Frederiksen responded diplomatically.
“We always want to meet with the American president,” Frederiksen said. “Of course we want to. But I think we have been very, very clear in what is the Danish commonwealth’s approach to all parts of the Kingdom of Denmark.”