Greenland’s Leader Rejects Trump’s Suggestion of U.S. Takeover: “We Are Not for Sale”

Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, firmly declared that the island nation is "not for sale and will never be for sale," following President-elect Donald Trump’s renewed suggestion that the United States should acquire Greenland.

Trump took to social media early Monday, asserting that for “National Security and Freedom throughout the World,” U.S. ownership and control of Greenland was “an absolute necessity.”

Greenland, the world’s largest island, located in the Arctic and home to over 50,000 residents, is a self-governing territory under the Kingdom of Denmark.

Egede quickly responded to Trump’s post, emphasizing Greenland’s sovereignty. “Greenland is ours,” he wrote. “We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom.”

Trump’s remarks coincided with his announcement of Ken Howery’s nomination as U.S. ambassador to Denmark. Howery previously served as U.S. ambassador to Sweden during Trump’s first term, a move some view as part of the administration’s strategy to strengthen ties with Denmark amidst renewed interest in Greenland.

This is not the first time Trump has floated the idea of purchasing Greenland. In 2019, during his first term, Trump publicly expressed interest in buying the island for strategic purposes, citing its location and resources.

At the time, Greenland’s leadership dismissed the suggestion outright, asserting the island’s non-negotiable status. Trump’s comments reignited the debate, sparking swift rejection from Greenlandic and Danish officials.

Over the weekend, Trump also appeared to suggest a U.S. takeover of the Panama Canal. The canal, a vital maritime route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is owned and operated by the Panama Canal Authority, a government agency of Panama.

According to the U.S. State Department, 72% of all ships transiting the canal are bound to or from U.S. ports, underscoring its strategic importance.

Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, strongly rebuffed Trump’s remarks, stating that “every square meter” of the canal “belongs to Panama and will continue belonging to Panama.” Trump responded defiantly on social media, posting, “We’ll see about that!”

The Panama Canal, built by the U.S. in the early 20th century, was returned to Panama in 1977 as part of a treaty signed by former President Jimmy Carter. The canal’s handover marked a historic transition of control and remains a point of national pride for Panama.

Trump’s comments on Greenland and the Panama Canal reflect his broader approach to U.S. interests and territorial acquisitions, a hallmark of his rhetoric. However, both Greenland and Panama have stood firm, defending their sovereignty and rejecting any suggestion of U.S. control.

These incidents highlight ongoing tensions between Trump’s foreign policy ambitions and the resistance of nations determined to uphold their independence.