Greenland’s leaders united to reject Donald Trump’s push for control, saying only Greenlanders have the right to decide the island’s future
Greenland Parliament (Source: X)
Political leaders from across Greenland’s parliament came together on Friday to respond to renewed claims by US President Donald Trump about taking control of the Arctic island. All five political parties in Greenland’s Inatsisartut signed a joint statement saying that Greenland’s future belongs only to its own people. They firmly rejected any idea that either the United States or Denmark has the right to decide Greenland’s destiny.
“We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders," the statement said, showing rare political unity across the island.
“We do not want to be Americans. We do not want to be Danes. We want to be Greenlanders” 🇬🇱
— Sajsha Prince 🇨🇦🎗️ (@sajshaprince) January 9, 2026
PM Jens Frederik Nielsen wrote
👏👏👏
Greenland’s future must be decided by its people—under the Self-Government Act and international law, without pressure or interference.#Greenland pic.twitter.com/z7Rs2bUNAi
The leaders also called on Washington to stop what they described as a disrespectful attitude toward Greenland. They made it clear that no outside country should interfere in the island’s political future.
“The future of Greenland must be decided by Greenlanders," the parties said together.
This statement reflected growing concern that powerful nations are trying to shape Greenland’s future without listening to its people.
Trump repeated on Friday that he wants Greenland under US control because of its importance in the Arctic. He said the US must stop China and Russia from gaining influence on the island.
“We’re going to do something about Greenland, whether people like it or not," Trump said.
He also warned, “We’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbour."
Trump said he would prefer a peaceful agreement but also hinted at stronger steps if that does not happen.
“I would like to make a deal the easy way, but if we don’t do it the easy way, we’re going to do it the hard way," he said.
These remarks have raised concerns because Trump has previously suggested using economic or even military pressure to gain control over Greenland.
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory within Denmark and part of the NATO alliance. The island has about 57,000 people and is mostly covered in ice.
Denmark has firmly rejected Trump’s statements. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any US move against Greenland would seriously harm NATO and threaten global security.
She said such action would damage the international order that has existed since World War II.
