A Greenlandic lawmaker has firmly stated that Greenland is not for sale as US President Donald Trump and senior officials escalate rhetoric about taking control of the autonomous Danish territory. The announcement comes amid rising tensions over Trump’s repeated claims that Greenland is strategically critical for national security and must be under US control.

“Greenland is not for sale, and Greenland never will be for sale,” said Aaja Chemnitz, a member of the Danish parliament representing Greenland, in an interview with Al Jazeera.

Chemnitz welcomed upcoming talks between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Danish and Greenlandic officials, emphasizing the importance of finding diplomatic solutions while maintaining Greenland’s autonomy.

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Trump’s Arctic Ambitions

Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing the island’s strategic location in the Arctic and the presence of Russian and Chinese military activity.

“We need Greenland from a national security situation. It’s so strategic. Right now, Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security,” Trump told reporters recently.

Despite the president’s statements, Greenland and Denmark, along with international allies, have strongly rejected the notion of selling or ceding the territory.

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International Opposition to US Moves

Trump’s proposals have drawn sharp criticism from Greenland, Denmark, the European Union, and allied countries, including Canada. On Tuesday, the foreign ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden released a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to “security, stability, and cooperation in the Arctic” and emphasizing the importance of respecting international law and borders.

“We collectively reiterate that matters concerning Denmark and Greenland are for Denmark and Greenland to decide alone,” the statement read.

Despite this opposition, the US administration has left open the possibility of military intervention, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that “all options are always on the table for President Trump,” though diplomacy remains the administration’s stated priority.

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Greenlandic Leaders Push for Diplomacy

Chemnitz and Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt stressed the need for respectful negotiations. Motzfeldt and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen requested a meeting with Secretary Rubio to discuss the situation.

“It’s important to focus on diplomacy,” Chemnitz said. “This is a very strange situation for us, and many of us have been concerned about everything that has happened. We need respect. In order to have diplomacy, you also need to have respect.”

Experts note that Greenland enjoys significant autonomy under Danish sovereignty and cannot be unilaterally seized by the US without violating international law and the UN Charter, which protects the sovereignty of nations.

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Context: US Military Actions in the Region

Concerns about Greenland have intensified after Trump’s administration sent US forces into Venezuela to abduct President Nicolas Maduro, an operation widely condemned as a violation of international law. Observers link these moves to a broader effort to assert US dominance in the Western Hemisphere, reminiscent of the Monroe Doctrine, a 19th-century policy advocating US influence over the Americas.

Some analysts argue that Greenland could be the next target of Trump’s territorial ambitions, particularly given the island’s strategic Arctic location, natural resources, and military significance. Rubio noted that previous US presidents have considered Greenland’s strategic value and did not rule out military options if perceived threats arise.

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Key Takeaways

• Greenlandic lawmakers reiterate Greenland is not for sale despite US interest.
• Trump administration emphasizes strategic Arctic importance, citing Russian and Chinese activity.
• Upcoming talks between US, Greenlandic, and Danish officials aim to de-escalate tensions.
• International law and UN principles protect Greenland’s autonomy.
• Experts warn that unilateral US action could destabilize Arctic security and international relations.
• Diplomacy and mutual respect are critical for resolving disputes over the island.

Greenland’s government and Danish authorities continue to insist on dialogue, underscoring the principle that the island’s fate is decided solely by Greenland and Denmark, not foreign powers.