Greenland’s leader met with Denmark’s King Frederik in Copenhagen on Wednesday, following statements by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump expressing interest in taking control of the Arctic island, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark.
Trump, who will assume office on January 20, said Tuesday he would not rule out military or economic actions to make Greenland part of the United States. On the same day, his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., made a private visit to Greenland.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede, head of a left-wing political party supporting future independence from Denmark, arrived in Copenhagen late Tuesday on a previously scheduled trip.
The Danish royal court confirmed that a meeting with King Frederik, initially postponed without explanation, would take place as planned.
Greenland, with a population of 57,000, has been part of Denmark for 600 years. The island now governs most of its domestic affairs under a semi-sovereign arrangement. However, tensions have risen recently over allegations of colonial-era mistreatment of Greenlanders.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Tuesday she could not envision Trump’s ambitions leading to U.S. military involvement in Greenland. Denmark, which is responsible for Greenland’s security and defense, has limited resources in the region, including four inspection vessels, a Challenger surveillance aircraft, and dog sled patrols.
Trump’s remarks have also included the threat of tariffs against Denmark, a move Frederiksen said would harm relations. She emphasized that a trade war is not the way forward. Denmark is home to Novo Nordisk, Europe’s most valuable company, known for producing Wegovy, a popular weight-loss medication in the United States.
Greenland has reiterated that the territory is not for sale. Prime Minister Egede, in his New Year speech, renewed calls for eventual independence. Denmark has maintained that Greenland’s future lies in the hands of its people. In 2019, Trump canceled a planned visit to Denmark after Frederiksen rejected his suggestion that the United States purchase Greenland.
