Donald Trump has often brought up the possibility of incorporating Greenland into the United States as one of its territories. However, both local politicians and inhabitants of the Arctic region have shown resistance to this notion.
On Saturday, hundreds of people from Greenland marched in the streets to demonstrate against United States President Donald Trump’s expressed intention to gain control over their island.
The video revealed groups of people assembled in Nuuk, the capital city, brandishing Greenland’s national flag and carrying placards bearing statements like “Honor Our Sovereignty,” “We Are Not Up For Sale,” and “Make America Go Away”—a twist on Trump's election phrase “Make America Great Again.”
Protests were happening simultaneously in various locations across the island.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who leads the centrist-right Demokraatit party, emerged victorious in this week's parliamentary election, joined by departing Prime Minister Mute B. Egede to guide demonstrators towards the US consulate located at the edge of Nuuk.
"Ideally, we should embrace who we truly are, as our independence and liberty are not subjects for negotiation," Nielsen stated to the Danish Broadcasting Corporation at the event.
"I have absolutely no intention of discussing Greenland joining the United States with Trump. Greenland will remain as it is," he stated.
Speaking to Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq On Saturday, Egede described the U.S. president's stance as "entirely unacceptable."
What remarks did Trump make regarding Greenland?
In recent months, Trump has repeatedly voiced his interest when gaining control over Greenland.
The U.S. President brought up the notion once more on Thursday. During a meeting with NATO head Mark Rutte at the White House.
In response to a question from a journalist regarding potential annexation, Trump stated, "I believe it will occur."
He further mentioned that the region is crucial for U.S. national security, emphasizing that the country already maintains military installations in the area.
The strategically important Arctic island is home to only 57,000 residents and operates as an autonomous region under Danish governance.
How has Greenland reacted?
Lawmakers in Greenland have vehemently opposed Trump's proposals to incorporate the island as a U.S. territory.
On Friday, the heads of the five political parties in Greenland's legislature released a collective statement. rejecting Trump's comments .
All party chairmen reject the recurring assertions about annexing and controlling Greenland," they stated. "As leaders of these parties, we consider such actions inappropriate for our relationships with friends and partners within a defensive coalition.
Edited by: Saim Dušan Inayatullah
Author: Natalie Muller (with contributions from EFE and dpa)
