Lawmakers Come Together in Response to Trump’s ‘Unacceptable Behavior’

The primary political parties in Greenland have released a unified statement denouncing Donald Trump’s “unacceptable conduct,” as the US president appears to intensify his efforts to claim the island.

Demonstrating a show of solidarity, all party leaders in the Inatsisartut – the parliament – issued a collective message asserting that they “cannot tolerate the ongoing remarks regarding annexation and control of Greenland.”

This statement follows a Thursday meeting between Trump and NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte, during which the president appeared to reaffirm his annexation ambitions.

The collective statement from Greenland was organized by outgoing Prime Minister Mute B Egede, whose party was defeated in the recent election.

“Our nation will never become the USA, and we Greenlanders will never be Americans,” Egede communicated on Facebook. “Stop treating us with disdain. Enough is enough.”

Greenland, the largest island in the world, situated between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, has been governed by Denmark, located nearly 3,000km (1,860 miles) away, for roughly 300 years.

While Greenland has control over its domestic matters, foreign and defense policies are dictated from Copenhagen.

The United States has historically had a strategic interest in the island, housing a military base there since World War II, and Trump’s interest may also extend to the rare earth minerals available for extraction.

Greenland was already on alert regarding Trump’s annexation comments; however, his remarks to Rutte at the White House ignited further concerns when he suggested NATO’s assistance might be required to acquire the island.

“You know, Mark, we need that for international security… we have many of our preferred players operating along the coast, and we have to be cautious,” Trump stated.

“We’ll be in touch with you,” he added.

When prompted about the possibility of annexation, Trump remarked: “I think that will take place.”

Rutte faced criticism in both Greenland and Denmark for not admonishing Trump. Instead, he commented that he would “leave that [matter] aside… I do not wish to involve NATO in that.”

He then shifted to commendation—an approach frequently adopted by world leaders interacting with Donald Trump—stating that he was “completely correct” about the necessity of maintaining security in the Arctic.

The joint statement from Greenland’s political leaders highlighted their collective resistance to Trump’s actions.

“Greenland continues to advocate for its own interests,” the statement emphasized.

“We are all united in this endeavor and firmly reject any attempts to sow discord.”

Their decision to voice opposition came just three days following elections in which the center-right Democratic Party unexpectedly triumphed.

Its leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who is anticipated to become Greenland’s new prime minister, is currently negotiating with other parties to establish a coalition.