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Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede expressed willingness to engage in discussions with President-elect Trump regarding the arctic territory’s future, while firmly emphasizing that Greenlanders have no desire to become American citizens.
Speaking at a Danish press conference alongside Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Egede acknowledged Greenland’s significance in American geopolitical interests, noting that he understands why “Americans see [Greenland] as part of their world.” Though he hasn’t directly communicated with Trump, Egede indicated his readiness for diplomatic dialogue focused on shared interests.
“We are ready to talk,” he said. “Cooperation is about dialogue. Cooperation means that you will work towards solutions.”
NEW: Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede says he is ready to speak with Donald Trump as he calls for independence from Denmark.
Egede said his people didn’t want to be Americans but said it was ultimately up to them to decide their future.
“We are ready to talk [with… pic.twitter.com/2UuvX8m6Jg
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 11, 2025
The strategically positioned territory, which has been under Danish influence since the 1700s, gained self-governing status in 1953. A 2009 agreement granted Greenland the right to pursue independence through a democratic vote – an option that Egede strongly supports.
The Prime Minister of Greenland, Múte Egede, says he is ready to engage in discussions with Donald Trump, who wants U.S. jurisdiction over the island. He also confirmed Greenland's pursuit of independence. pic.twitter.com/fo6OnlQfnv
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“We have a desire for independence, a desire to be the master of our own house … This is something everyone should respect,” he said. “Greenland is for the Greenlandic people. We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic.”
The territory’s significance has grown considerably as climate change opens previously frozen arctic shipping routes, creating new opportunities between Russia and the United States. The region boasts abundant natural resources, making it increasingly attractive to global powers.
Currently, Denmark maintains responsibility for Greenland’s defense. According to Axios, Danish officials have recently sent private communications to Trump’s team, expressing openness to discussions about accommodating U.S. security interests without transferring sovereignty of the territory.
