Greenland leader says his people don’t want to be Americans amid Trump’s attention: ‘We want to be Greenlandic’

The people of the mineral-rich Arctic do not want to become Americans, but he understands that, Greenland’s prime minister said on Friday US President-elect Donald Trump’s interest in the island Due to its strategic location, it is open to greater cooperation with Washington.

The comments from Greenland’s leader, Múte B. Egede, came after Trump said earlier this week that he would not rule out using force or economic pressure to make Greenland – a semi-autonomous region of Denmark – part of the United States. Trump said that it is a matter of national security for the United States, and the melting of sea ice has occurred Opening new shipping routes through the ArcticAnd the Western powers have He already expressed his concern about Russia and China use it to strengthen their presence in the North Atlantic.

Egede admitted this Greenland is part of the North American continentAnd “a place that Americans consider part of their world.” He said he has not spoken with Trump, but is open to discussions about what “unites us.”

“Cooperation is about dialogue. Cooperation means that you will work to find solutions,” he said.

Egede was advocating for Greenlandic independence, portraying Denmark as a colonial power that did not always treat the indigenous Inuit population well.

“Greenland is for the people of Greenland. We don’t want to be Danes, we don’t want to be Americans. We want to be Greenlandic,” he said at a press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen.

Trump’s interest in Greenland has raised alarm in Denmark as well as across Europe. The United States is a staunch ally of the 27-nation European Union and a key member of NATO, and many Europeans were shocked by the suggestion that the next American leader might consider using force against an ally.

But Frederiksen said she sees a positive side to the discussion.

She added: “The discussion about Greenland’s independence and recent announcements from the United States show us the great interest in Greenland.” “The events have sparked many thoughts and feelings for many in Greenland and Denmark.”

She added: “The United States is our closest ally, and we will do our best to continue strong cooperation.”

Frederiksen and Egede spoke to reporters after a semi-annual meeting of Denmark and two of its kingdoms, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The meeting was scheduled in advance and was not called in response to Trump’s recent statements. Trump’s eldest son also visited Greenland on Tuesdaylanding on a plane emblazoned with the word Trump and distributing “Make America Great Again” hats to local residents.

Danish public broadcaster DR reported Friday that Trump’s team encouraged the homeless and socially disadvantaged in Greenland to appear in a video wearing MAGA hats after they received a free meal at a nice restaurant. The report quoted a local resident, Tom Amtoff, who recognized some of them in a video broadcast by Trump’s team.

He added: “They are being bribed, and this is absolutely disgusting.”

The population of Greenland is 57 thousand people. But it is a vast region that possesses natural resources including oil, gas and rare earth elements, which are expected to become more accessible over time. Ice is melting due to climate change. Greenland may have significant reserves of up to 31 different minerals, including lithium and graphite. These rare materials are necessary for the production of electric car batteries. China currently Produces about 65% of graphite in the world.

While Copenhagen is responsible for its foreign affairs and defense, the United States also shares responsibility for the defense of Greenland
It operates a base there, the Petovik Space Base, which to this day remains the northernmost US military facility.

Haley Ott

She contributed to this report.