In a notable diplomatic escalation, Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, launched a scathing and direct attack on US President Donald Trump in response to renewed US statements regarding Washington's desire to annex the Arctic island. These remarks put an end to speculation, with Nielsen asserting that the era of treating his country as a mere real estate commodity is over, emphasizing that "enough is enough.".
A firm rejection of the policy of dictates
Nielsen expressed his deep dismay at the repeated rhetoric emanating from the US administration, describing it as "completely unacceptable." The Greenlandic official noted that Trump's comparisons between Greenland and Venezuela, and his suggestion of military intervention or an urgent security need to seize the island, not only represent a miscalculation of political judgment, but also constitute a "lack of respect" for the sovereignty of a people who make their own decisions.
Nielsen asserted, "Our country is not merely a pawn in the great power game. We are a people, a democratic nation, and that must be respected, especially by our closest and most loyal friends." He added firmly, "Enough! No more pressure. No more insinuations. No more annexation fantasies.".
Historical background: This is not the first attempt
It's worth noting that American interest in annexing Greenland isn't a recent phenomenon, nor is it limited to the Trump era, although he was the most explicit in presenting it as a real estate deal. Historically, the United States attempted to purchase the island in 1946 under President Harry Truman for $100 million in gold, but Denmark rejected the offer. The debate resurfaced in 2019 when Trump revived the idea, causing a temporary diplomatic crisis with Copenhagen, which described the proposal as "absurd.".
The strategic importance of the polar island
These statements come at a time of increasing international competition over the Arctic region. Washington views Greenland as a cornerstone of US national security, particularly due to the presence of Thule Air Force Base (Pitovik), the northernmost US military base, which plays a vital role in the missile early warning system and space surveillance.
Moreover, with the melting of the ice as a result of climate change, Greenland has become the focus of attention for global powers because of its rare mineral wealth and strategic minerals, as well as the possibility of opening new shipping lanes that shorten distances between continents, making it an indispensable geopolitical focal point.
Respect-based alliance
Despite the harsh tone of his remarks, Nielsen was careful to emphasize the importance of the relationship with the United States as a NATO ally, but stipulated that this relationship must be based on "respect and loyalty," not subservience. He explained that dialogue is always open, but only through "appropriate channels and within the framework of respect for international law," stressing that these appropriate channels are not random tweets or disrespectful posts on social media.
He concluded his remarks with a clear message to the White House: "Greenland is our home and our land, and it will remain so," indicating that Greenlandic sovereignty is a red line that is not open to negotiation, regardless of the security concerns raised by the American side.
