Greenland Rejects US Pressure as Trump Repeats Interest in Territory

Greenland’s political parties have firmly stated they do not want to come under US control after President Donald Trump suggested again that the United States might use force to acquire the mineral-rich territory.

The statement, issued late Friday, followed Trump’s repeated comments that Washington would act on Greenland “whether they like it or not.”

European capitals have been trying to coordinate a response after the White House said earlier this week that Trump was interested in buying Greenland and did not rule out military options.

In a joint declaration, leaders of five parties in Greenland’s parliament said: “We don’t want to be Americans, we don’t want to be Danish, we want to be Greenlanders. The future of Greenland must be decided by Greenlanders.” They stressed that no other country should interfere in Greenland’s decisions.

Locals voiced similar concerns. Julius Nielsen, a 48-year-old fisherman in Nuuk, said: “American? No! We were a colony for so many years. We’re not ready to be colonised again.”

Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953 and gained home rule in 1979. Many residents are cautiously considering full independence from Denmark. Pitsi Mari, a telecom worker, said: “I like the idea of independence, but I think we should wait. Not for now.” Inaluk Pedersen, a 21-year-old shop assistant, added: “US interference disrupts relationships and trust between Denmark and Greenland.”

The current ruling coalition in Greenland does not support immediate independence. The main opposition party, Naleraq, which won 24.5% of the 2025 vote, wants a faster break from Denmark but also signed the joint statement. MP Juno Berthelsen wrote on Facebook: “It’s time to start preparing for the independence we have fought for over so many years.”

A poll published Saturday by Danish agency Ritzau showed that more than 38% of Danes believe the United States might attempt to invade Greenland under the Trump administration.