Greenland’s Minister of Mineral Resources Naaja Nathanielsen expressed deep frustration and a sense of betrayal during a press conference in London, addressing renewed U.S. interest in acquiring the Arctic island amid President Donald Trump’s threats of takeover.
Nathanielsen stated: “We feel betrayed. The rhetoric is offensive and bewildering. We have done nothing but support the notion that Greenland is part of the American national sphere of interest for many decades. We are bewildered that I now have to hold a press conference about a possible annexation or selling of Greenland. This is not something we sought or think we deserved.”
The comments come as the Trump administration discusses options for acquiring Greenland, including potential military force, despite strong opposition from Denmark, Greenlandic leaders, and European allies. Discussions reportedly involve incentives to bring the mineral-rich territory under U.S. control.
Greenland, an autonomous territory under the Kingdom of Denmark with a population of 57,000, has consistently rejected any sale or annexation, emphasizing its path toward greater self-determination. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt requested an urgent meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to shift the conversation from public threats to direct dialogue.
The White House stating that “all options are always on the table,” though diplomacy remains the preferred approach. Greenlandic officials and European partners have disputed claims of significant Russian or Chinese presence near the island, calling the narrative exaggerated.
