Greenland’s Leader Says He’s Ready To Talk To Trump But Island’s Not For Sale

Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede stated that he is open to speaking with US President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed interest in obtaining control over the Arctic island.

Greenland, home to 57,000 people, was a Danish colony until 1953 and is now a self-governing territory. I Photo: Ron Przysucha, U.S. Department of State Flickr

However, Egede emphasized the need to respect Greenland's aspirations for independence, Reuters reported.

Trump, who will take office on January 20, described US control of Greenland—a semi-autonomous Danish territory—as an "absolute necessity." He did not rule out using military or economic pressure, including potential tariffs on Denmark.

During a press conference in Copenhagen, Egede confirmed he had not yet spoken with Trump but said, "We are ready to talk." Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, speaking at the same event, mentioned she had requested a meeting with Trump but did not expect it to occur before his inauguration, CNN also reported.

Greenland, home to 57,000 people, was a Danish colony until 1953 and is now a self-governing territory.

It gained the right to vote for independence in 2009. The US operates a military base in northern Greenland.

Egede reiterated the island’s goals, saying, "We have a desire for independence, a desire to be the master of our own house. This is something everyone should respect." He added, "But that doesn’t mean we are cutting all ties, all cooperation, and all relations with Denmark."