Greenland’s government rebuked President Donald Trump’s assertion that people in the Danish territory called for a visit from his administration amid repeated claims from Trump that Greenland should become the 51st U.S. state.
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment earlier on Monday.
Why It Matters
Trump has faced criticism over repeatedly saying he wants the U.S. to annex Greenland, and keeps pushing the issue despite the territory’s clear rejection of the notion.
Claus Mathiesen, lecturer at Denmark’s Defense Academy and former military attache in Ukraine, is among experts comparing Trump’s bid to acquire Greenland to Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.
Trump and Vice President JD Vance have repeatedly vocalized interest in Greenland, a mineral-rich land and strategically placed, as the administration says gaining control would be beneficial for “international security.”
What To Know
While speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump reemphasized that Greenland is important for “international security.”
“It cannot go on the way it is. It’s not gonna go on the way it is. I’ll make a statement. It’s not gonna happen. So, they’re going there, and that’s purely friendship … people from Greenland are asking us to go there. We have many many requests from many many people, some officials too,” Trump said.
Responding later on Facebook, Naalakkersuisut, the government of Greenland, said, “Just for the record, Naalakkersuisut, the government of Greenland, has not extended any invitations for any visits, neither private nor official. The present government is a caretaker government awaiting the formation of a new government coalition and we have kindly requested all countries to respect this process.”
Vance’s wife, Usha Vance, along with national security adviser Mike Waltz, are expected to visit Greenland this week.
Greenland Prime Minister Mute B. Egede blasted the move by the Trump administration, telling Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq on Sunday, “We are now at a level where it can in no way be characterized as a harmless visit from a politician’s wife who is in prospect. Because what is the security advisor in Greenland supposed to do? The only purpose is to show a demonstration of power to us, and the signal is not to be misunderstood.”
Egede continued, “It is Trump’s confidant and closest adviser, and his mere presence in Greenland will certainly make Americans believe in Trump’s mission, and the pressure will increase after the visit. So come now with a quorum Naalakkersuisut, now is the time we need it.”
What People Are Saying
Democratic Representative Jason Crow of Colorado posted to X on Monday: “Donald Trump campaigned on the economy. But now in office, he’s more focused on invading Greenland than lowering costs for you. The tide is starting to turn—the American people aren’t happy & want change.”
CNN senior political commentator and former GOP Congressman Adam Kinzinger posted to X on Monday: “Hey Greenland, why are you letting Americas planes land there? Why don’t you deny Usha Vance and the crew landing clearance? Fight back now or don’t be shocked when you can’t”
What Happens Next
Trump officials are expected to visit Greenland on Thursday.