Greenland’s Leaders Issue Unified Rejection of U.S. Control Amid Trump’s Persistent Demands

NUUK, Greenland, Jan. 15, 2026 — Greenland’s political leadership has delivered a forceful, unified rejection of President Donald J. Trump’s repeated assertions that the United States should acquire or control the Arctic island, with all five parties represented in the Inatsisartut — the territory’s parliament — declaring that Greenland’s future belongs solely to its people.

In a rare joint statement issued on Jan. 10, Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and the leaders of the Demokraatit, Naleraq, Inuit Ataqatigiit, Siumut and Atassut parties condemned U.S. pressure as “extremely disrespectful” and emphasized that no external power has the right to dictate the island’s destiny. “We don’t want to be Americans, we don’t want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders,” the statement read, underscoring a commitment to self-determination without coercion, artificial deadlines or foreign interference.

The declaration came shortly after Mr. Trump reiterated on Jan. 9 that the United States would “do something on Greenland whether they like it or not,” framing acquisition as essential for national security to prevent Russia or China from gaining influence over the mineral-rich territory. He has not ruled out forceful measures, describing potential outcomes as either “the easy way or the hard way.”

Greenland’s parliament, which last convened in November and is next scheduled for early February, is expected to advance discussions on the matter, though no formal legislation enacting a personal ban on Mr. Trump or his family has been introduced or passed. Claims circulating online of a “permanent ban” or “exile” on the president appear to stem from satirical or exaggerated social media posts rather than official action by the Inatsisartut.

The island’s leaders have consistently maintained that Greenland “is not for sale” and will not be governed by the United States, a position echoed by Denmark. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen have described the U.S. stance as a “fundamental disagreement,” while reinforcing military cooperation with European NATO allies. In recent days, Denmark has bolstered its Arctic presence, with Germany sending 13 personnel, Sweden deploying an unspecified number of troops for exercises, and Norway contributing two military observers to explore further collaboration.

The European Parliament adopted a statement on Jan. 14 expressing “unequivocal support” for Greenland and Denmark, condemning U.S. threats as a challenge to international law, United Nations principles and NATO’s core commitment to territorial integrity. Bipartisan U.S. senators, including Republican Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Democrat Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, introduced the NATO Unity Protection Act on Jan. 14 to bar the use of Defense or State Department funds for any attempt to blockade, occupy or annex territory of a NATO member without consent and North Atlantic Council approval.

Greenland, home to about 57,000 people and vast untapped reserves of rare earth minerals, critical metals and potential hydrocarbons, has long pursued greater autonomy within the Kingdom of Denmark under a 2009 self-rule agreement that recognizes the right to independence. Public opinion polls show overwhelming opposition to U.S. control, with many favoring eventual sovereignty over continued Danish ties or American incorporation.

High-level talks between Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers and U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, occurred on Jan. 14 in Washington, but Danish representatives reported no resolution to the underlying dispute.

The episode highlights deepening strains in transatlantic relations amid Mr. Trump’s emphasis on territorial expansionism and resource security in the Arctic. While diplomatic channels remain open, Greenland’s firm stance — backed by European allies — underscores the challenges facing any unilateral U.S. initiative.

This account is based on joint statements from Greenland’s political parties, official remarks from Danish and Greenlandic leaders, U.S. congressional actions and reports from major international news organizations as of Jan. 15, 2026. The situation continues to develop as multilateral discussions proceed.