‘We choose Denmark,’ Greenland PM says ahead of White House meeting

Greenland’s prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, used a joint press conference with Denmark on Tuesday to deliver an unequivocal message amid renewed U.S. pressure: Greenland is not for sale and stands with Denmark.

“We are in a geopolitical crisis. If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark right now, then we choose Denmark. We choose NATO, the Kingdom of Denmark and the EU,” Nielsen said. “Greenland is not for sale.”

Speaking alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Nielsen said the current geopolitical situation was not the time for internal debate about Greenland’s constitutional future.

“This is not the time for internal discussions. This is the time to stand together and build on the community we know,” he said.

Nielsen acknowledged Greenland’s long-term ambition to become an independent nation, but stressed that independence must come at the right time and in the right way. For now, he said, Greenland would approach talks with the United States together with Denmark and as part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

Asked how Greenland would respond if the United States raised the prospect of a purchase or takeover, Nielsen rejected the premise outright.

“Just the idea that you could buy another people is disrespectful,” he said.

Frederiksen echoed that position, saying fundamental principles of international law and democracy were at stake.

“You cannot buy another people,” she said, adding that Denmark and Greenland were prepared to cooperate with the United States on Arctic security, but only on the basis of partnership between sovereign, democratic societies.

The press conference came ahead of tomorrow’s high-level meeting in Washington between Danish and Greenlandic officials and senior members of the U.S. administration, including Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance.