Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen strongly denied US President Donald Trump’s claim that America could take control of the island. Greenland is a large, resource-rich island in the Atlantic. It governs itself but remains a colony of Denmark, a US ally in NATO. Meanwhile, Trump has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security concerns.

In response, Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen firmly stated Greenland’s position. “President Trump says that the United States ‘will get Greenland.’ Let me be clear: The United States will not get it. We do not belong to anyone else. We decide our own future,” Nielsen wrote on Facebook.

Trump Hints at Military Action

Shortly after Nielsen’s statement, Trump spoke to NBC News. He suggested that military action could be an option for acquiring Greenland.

During a Saturday interview, he admitted that a peaceful agreement was possible. However, he also did not rule out using force.

“I think there’s a good possibility that we could do it without military force,” he said. Furthermore, he justified his stance by calling it “world peace” and “international security.” Nevertheless, he added, “I don’t take anything off the table.”

Strong Backlash from Greenland and Denmark

As expected, Greenland’s leaders and citizens reacted with anger. Danish officials also strongly criticized Trump’s statements.

Later, NBC asked Trump whether his comments sent the wrong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Trump dismissed the concern.

“I don’t care,” he responded.