Newly elected Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has firmly rejected recent assertions by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the potential annexation of the Arctic territory.

In a strongly worded Facebook post, Nielsen declared: "The United States won't get [Greenland]. We do not belong to anyone else. We determine our own future," signaling a clear stance against any American ambitions in the region.

The controversy stems from an interview with NBC News where President Trump claimed he had "absolutely" discussed annexing Greenland and confidently predicted, "We'll get Greenland. Yeah, 100 percent." These remarks have reignited a diplomatic firestorm over the strategically vital island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans.

The situation escalated following a visit by U.S. Vice President JD Vance to a military base in Greenland. Vance accused Denmark, which oversees Greenland as a semi-autonomous territory, of failing to adequately secure the island. He argued that the United States could provide superior protection for the geopolitically significant region, a claim that has drawn sharp criticism from Danish officials.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen responded with frustration, condemning the "tone" of the U.S. administration's rhetoric. In a video posted to social media, Rasmussen stated, "We do not appreciate the tone in which it is being delivered. This is not how you speak to your close allies." While reaffirming Denmark’s commitment to Arctic security and cooperation with the U.S., he made it clear that Copenhagen viewed the criticism as unwarranted.

Undeterred, President Trump doubled down on his remarks during the NBC interview, ominously noting, "I never take military force off the table" when pressed on how he might pursue his goals in Greenland. This statement has heightened concerns about potential U.S. escalation in the region.

Despite the growing rift, Rasmussen emphasized that Denmark and the United States remain close allies. However, Greenland continues to be a flashpoint in U.S.-Danish relations as Washington seeks to expand its influence in the Arctic, citing national security interests.

This spat marks the latest chapter in Trump’s long-standing fascination with acquiring Greenland, a notion he first floated during his previous term in office. For now, Nielsen’s resolute rejection and Denmark’s diplomatic pushback suggest that any American designs on the territory face significant hurdles. (ILKHA)