Greenland’s Path to Independence and U.S. Interests

By Stine Jacobsen and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) – Greenland may become independent if its residents desire it, but is unlikely to become a U.S. state, according to Denmark’s foreign minister. This statement comes after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump suggested using force to gain control of the Arctic island.

Greenland’s leader met with the Danish king in Copenhagen following Trump’s comments that elevated the importance of this mineral-rich island, currently under Danish rule.

Trump, set to take office on January 20, stated he would not exclude military or economic action to make Greenland part of the U.S. On the same day, Donald Trump Jr. visited Greenland privately.

Strategically, Greenland is essential for U.S. military operations, notably for its ballistic missile early-warning system, as it is on the shortest route from Europe to North America.

Trump’s foreign policy appears more aggressive, sidelining traditional diplomatic practices.

Having been a part of Denmark for 600 years, Greenland governs its own domestic affairs, with Prime Minister Mute Egede advocating for independence. Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Denmark’s foreign minister, acknowledged Greenland’s ambitions for independence, though he doubted they would desire to join the U.S. as a state.

Rasmussen addressed the United States’ security concerns in the Arctic due to increased Russian and Chinese activities in the region. However, he asserted, “I don’t think that we’re in a foreign policy crisis.”

France’s foreign minister asserted that European nations would not tolerate threats to their sovereignty despite doubts over a U.S. invasion. Similarly, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed astonishment over Trump’s comments about Greenland and Canada, emphasizing that European partners respect inviolable borders.

Tensions have been rising between Greenland and Denmark amid allegations of mistreatment, with Egede firmly stating that Greenland is not for sale. Greenland’s Finance Minister Erik Jensen reiterated the island’s goal of independence without being governed by another country.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed the likelihood of U.S. military intervention in Greenland and cautioned against potential economic fallout from Trump’s trade threats, emphasizing cooperation.

While Trump raised the idea of U.S. acquisition of Greenland previously, his recent remarks have perplexed many in Denmark. Jeppe Finne Sorenson, a data engineer, expressed disbelief, stating, “We have an alliance; this doesn’t respect that.”

($1 = 7.2417 Danish crowns)