Greenland's PM to meet Danish king amid Trump bid to take over territory

Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede is set to meet Danish King Frederik in Copenhagen on Wednesday, following renewed attention on the Arctic island after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump expressed interest in acquiring the territory.

Trump, who will assume office on January 20, stated on Tuesday that he would not rule out military or economic measures to bring Greenland under U.S. control.

This file photo shows Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump is flanked by Melania Trump and Lara Trump as he addresses supporters, during the 2024 U.S. Reuters

His comments reignited debate over the island’s strategic and economic value. Meanwhile, his son, Donald Trump Jr., made a private visit to Greenland the same day.

Egede, who arrived in Copenhagen late on Tuesday, had previously announced a delay in his meeting with King Frederik. However, Denmark’s royal court later confirmed the meeting would proceed as scheduled, offering no further details.

Greenland, with a population of 57,000, has been part of Denmark for six centuries. It enjoys significant autonomy, managing most of its domestic affairs under the Danish realm.

However, relations with Denmark have recently been strained, partly due to historical grievances over colonial-era mistreatment of Greenlanders.

In his New Year’s speech, Egede emphasized Greenland’s aspirations for independence, reiterating that the island is not for sale. Denmark has echoed this stance, maintaining that Greenland’s future lies solely in the hands of its people.

'Make Greenland great again'

This isn’t the first time Trump has floated the idea of purchasing Greenland. In 2019, he canceled a planned visit to Denmark after Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed the proposal as absurd.

Greenland, rich in natural resources and strategically located in the Arctic, remains a focal point of geopolitical interest, underscored by ongoing tensions over its future governance and external influence.