Trump Expresses Confidence in Gaining Control of Greenland

Trump said on Saturday that he believes the United States will ultimately gain control of Greenland.

"I think we're going to have it," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, adding that the island's 57,000 residents "want to be with us."

His remarks follow reports of a contentious phone call last week, during which Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland is not for sale.

Trump first floated the idea of purchasing the autonomous Danish territory in 2019, describing US control of the Arctic island as an "absolute necessity" for global security.

"I think the people want to be with us," Trump said when questioned about the matter.

"I don't really know what claim Denmark has to it, but it would be a very unfriendly act if they didn't allow that to happen because it's for the protection of the free world," he added.

"It has nothing to do with the United States other than that we're the one that can provide the freedom. They can't."

Despite Trump's confidence, Greenlandic and Danish officials have repeatedly dismissed the idea.
Greenland's prime minister, Mute Egede, stated that decisions regarding the island's land usage remain "Greenland's business," although he expressed a willingness to collaborate with the US on defense and mining.

Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen has consistently maintained that "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders" and emphasized that only the island's population can determine its future.

According to a Financial Times report, Frederiksen reinforced this stance during a heated 45-minute phone call with Trump earlier this month.

The conversation was described by anonymous European officials as "horrendous" and Trump's interest as "serious, and potentially very dangerous."

Greenland, which lies along the shortest route between North America and Europe, holds strategic importance for the US and hosts a major American space facility.

The territory has also drawn attention for its natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron.

While Greenland enjoys substantial autonomy, it remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

There is, however, a growing consensus on the island that independence could eventually reshape its relationship with the United States.

Trump's claim that Greenland's residents "want to be with us" has raised eyebrows.

A fishing boat captain in Kapisillit remarked that while Trump was "welcome to visit," the island "belongs to Greenlanders."

Kaaleeraq Ringsted, a local church elder, criticized Trump's language as "not acceptable," asserting, "Greenland is not for sale."

Trump has not ruled out using military or economic measures to pursue the acquisition.

His comments have triggered alarm within Denmark, prompting high-level meetings in Copenhagen earlier this month.