According to Egede, his government is exploring ways to collaborate with the United States and is prepared to engage in dialogue with Donald Trump’s new administration. However, he emphasized that any final decisions will be made by Greenland’s government.
“Greenland's independence is Greenland’s business, including decisions about the use of our land. Greenland will determine what agreements we should reach,” Egede said.
The prime minister has convened political party leaders in the capital to discuss a unified approach toward U.S. interests. “This is the first time Greenland is being taken so seriously. We need to stay calm, take advantage of the situation, and unite,” he added.
On Jan. 13, Fox News reported that a group of Republican lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives proposed granting Donald Trump legal authority to purchase Greenland.
Earlier, U.S. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance stated that the American government does not see a need for military action in Greenland but suggested that “a deal could be struck” regarding the island.
Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland
On Dec. 23, 2024, Trump declared his wish for Greenland to come under U.S. control. By Dec. 29, The Washington Postreported that Trump had recently discussed plans to acquire Greenland, reclaim the Panama Canal, and propose making Canada the 51st U.S. state. These ambitions, according to the report, may be tied to Trump’s strategy to counter Russia and China.
On Jan. 7, Donald Trump Jr. visited Greenland, stating he was there as a tourist with no political agenda. That same day, President-elect Trump told reporters he would not rule out using military means to gain control of the Panama Canal and Greenland.
In response, Greenland’s Prime Minister Egede made it clear that the territory does not want to be caught up in political disputes between the U.S. and Denmark. “Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland. Our future and the fight for independence are our matters alone,” he stated.
On Jan. 8, CNN reported that Trump’s allies and advisors had warned Danish officials to take his remarks about Greenland seriously.