The prime minister of Greenland stated on Friday that he is ready to engage in discussions with US President-elect Donald Trump while emphasizing that “everyone should respect” the Arctic island's ongoing aspirations for independence.
Prime Minister Mute Egede’s remarks came during a press conference in Copenhagen, following renewed interest from Trump regarding US control over Greenland. Trump, who will assume office in less than ten days, has reiterated his earlier proposal to purchase Greenland.
Trump has said that the semi-autonomous territory owned by Denmark is an “absolute necessity” due to its economic and military significance. Trump also suggested he would not rule out economic or military pressure, including tariffs on Denmark, to achieve this goal.
When asked whether he had spoken with Trump, Egede responded, “No, but we are ready to talk.” Similarly, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also said that she requested a meeting with the soon-to-be US president but does not expect to get one until after the inauguration, according to Reuters.
The US has a longstanding interest in Greenland, where it currently operates a military base in the northern region. The idea of purchasing Greenland dates back to 1867, when the US State Department first considered it. After World War II, President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million for the island, but the proposal was rejected.
Despite maintained interest by the US, Egede has continued to push for Greenland to receive full independence. Greenland became a self-governing territory in 1953 after being a Danish colony. In 2009, it gained the right to claim independence through a vote, and in 2023, Greenland's government presented its first draft constitution.
"We have a desire for independence, a desire to be the master of our own house... This is something everyone should respect,” he said. “But that doesn't mean we are cutting all ties, all cooperation and all relations with Denmark.”
Prime Minister Mute Egede’s remarks came during a press conference in Copenhagen, following renewed interest from Trump regarding US control over Greenland. Trump, who will assume office in less than ten days, has reiterated his earlier proposal to purchase Greenland.
Trump has said that the semi-autonomous territory owned by Denmark is an “absolute necessity” due to its economic and military significance. Trump also suggested he would not rule out economic or military pressure, including tariffs on Denmark, to achieve this goal.
When asked whether he had spoken with Trump, Egede responded, “No, but we are ready to talk.” Similarly, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also said that she requested a meeting with the soon-to-be US president but does not expect to get one until after the inauguration, according to Reuters.
The US has a longstanding interest in Greenland, where it currently operates a military base in the northern region. The idea of purchasing Greenland dates back to 1867, when the US State Department first considered it. After World War II, President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million for the island, but the proposal was rejected.
Despite maintained interest by the US, Egede has continued to push for Greenland to receive full independence. Greenland became a self-governing territory in 1953 after being a Danish colony. In 2009, it gained the right to claim independence through a vote, and in 2023, Greenland's government presented its first draft constitution.
"We have a desire for independence, a desire to be the master of our own house... This is something everyone should respect,” he said. “But that doesn't mean we are cutting all ties, all cooperation and all relations with Denmark.”
