Greenlandic Politicians Reject Trump’s Bid, Emphasize Self-Determination

Ahead of Tuesday’s elections, Greenlandic politicians firmly dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in purchasing the island, stressing that its future is solely for Greenlanders to decide. Inge Olsvig Brandt of the Inuit Ataqatigiit party criticized Trump’s stance, asserting that he should focus on domestic issues instead of attempting to acquire Greenland. Other politicians echoed this sentiment, rejecting any notion of American control and reaffirming their commitment to self-governance.

Greenland’s election results saw gains for opposition parties Demokraatit and Naleraq, both supporting independence but differing on timing. While some leaders push for a gradual transition from Danish rule, others stress that the island is not yet ready for full autonomy. Lawmaker Bentiaraq Ottosen of the Attasut party opposed immediate independence, warning that Trump’s aggressive rhetoric on Greenland made U.S. involvement undesirable. Meanwhile, former Health Minister Doris J. Jensen called Trump’s approach “colonial,” emphasizing that Greenland had already endured such history under Denmark and would not repeat it with the U.S.

Trump’s repeated claims that Greenland is critical to U.S. security, coupled with its vast reserves of rare minerals, have fueled concerns of external influence. However, local politicians remain steadfast, with CT Sigmundsen of Naleraq summing up the prevailing stance: “He can dream, but Greenland’s future belongs to Greenlanders alone.”