US President Donald Trump reacted sharply after Greenland’s prime minister said the island intends to remain part of Denmark. Trump dismissed the statement as “their problem,” signaling he doesn’t agree with Greenland’s position on the strategically important Arctic territory.
“I disagree with them. I don’t know who he is. Don’t know anything about him. But that is going to be a big problem for him,” Trump said.
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. In recent months, however, the Trump administration has raised questions about whether Copenhagen can adequately defend the island, a concern tied to growing geopolitical competition in the Arctic.
Greenland restates its alignment with Denmark
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reiterated the island’s commitment to Denmark while speaking in Copenhagen alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. He rejected the idea of Greenland becoming a US territory and said that, if forced to choose, Greenland would pick Denmark—emphasizing unity within the Kingdom of Denmark.
At the same time, Greenland’s internal political debate remains focused on long-term independence, rather than any rapid change in its current status.
US interest in Greenland “could move faster than expected”
A senior US official said Trump’s push to take control of Greenland is entering a more decisive stage. Thomas Dans, described as Trump’s Arctic commissioner, said “meaningful US action” could come within weeks or months. He added that the idea of annexing or otherwise acquiring Greenland is not being dropped and could accelerate sooner than many expect.
