Why Denmark 'owns' Greenland and what they’ve said about Trump’s 'takeover'
Questions have been raised regarding the rightful ownership of Greenland, amid Donald Trump's plan to 'take over' the self-governing territory.
Technically situated within the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland is largely inhabited by the descendants of Inuit civilians that lived in the area thousands of years ago, alongside other residents whose families moved to the area as early as the 10th century, and have called the country their home ever since.
It is a land famed for its icy terrain (which makeS up 80 percent of the island), as well as its abundant Arctic wildlife, stunning glaciers, fjords, national parks, and Northern Lights.
On top of these natural phenomena, Greenland - which has only been an independent state since 2008 - is also recognised for its reliance on fishing, renewable energy, and its strategic Arctic location.
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The latter is said to be one of the main reasons why the American president has expressed hope in attain the territory.
Why does Trump want to 'take over' Greenland?
"I think that Greenland is very important for the national security of the United States, Europe, and other parts of the free world," Trump claimed this week, He first voiced his plan to acquire the country after being sworn into the White House for the second time in January, insisting it would serve for defence purposes and provide mineral wealth to the US.
The 79-year-old added this week that he has 'no timeline' for Greenland's imminent take over, having already sent Vice President JD Vance overseas to inspect a naval base there in March of last year.
Following the initial visit, Trump also admitted he wouldn't rule out using force to take control of the area.
After both the Prime Minister of Greenland, Jens Frederik Nielsen, and his Danish equivalent, Mette Frederiksen, condemned the Republican's plan this week, questions have been raised regarding to exactly owns the space.
Who owns Greenland?
For those in need of a reminder, until the year 1958, Greenland was a Danish colony. After that year, it fell under the official ownership of leaders in Denmark, forming an official part of the Scandinavian country.
In 1979, the area was granted home rule after much appeal, followed by a self-government act referendum that took place three decades, which further extending Greenland's autonomy. The latter ruling allowed the territory to govern its own affairs and elect its own leaders. Since then, Greenland has boasted its own parliament, Prime Minister, anthem and flag.
When it comes to the country's citizenship, monetary policy, the military and foreign affairs, Danish leaders are still in charge.
As such, it's hardly a surprise that Denmark's current representative, Frederiksen, has spoken out against Trump's plans in defence of Greenland.
What has the Danish Prime Minister said about Trump's plan?
"If the United States chooses to attack another Nato country militarily, then everything stops," she told state broadcaster TV2 on Monday (5 January).
"That is, including our Nato and thus the security that has been provided since the end of the Second World War."
A day prior, the Danish leader released a similar statement, telling press: "It makes absolutely no sense to talk about the US needing to take over Greenland. The US has no right to annex any of the three countries in the Danish Kingdom."
She added: "I would therefore strongly urge the US to stop the threats against a historically close ally and against another country and another people, who have very clearly said that they are not for sale."
How about the Greenlandic leader?
Frederiksen's remarks closely followed the sentiments of Greenlandic PM, Nielsen, who slammed the US' potential takeover as 'fantasy' this week.
"When the president of the United States talks about ‘we need Greenland’ and connects us with Venezuela and military intervention, it’s not just wrong," he hit out. "This is so disrespectful."
Nielsen continued: "Our country is not an object of superpower rhetoric. We are a people. A land. And democracy. This has to be respected. Especially by close and loyal friends."
Who else has condemned Trump's plan?
Thankfully, he and Frederiksen also have the backing of a number of other world leaders, many of whom rallied together earlier this week to release an official statement against Trump's controversial mission.
Signed by the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Denmark, it read: "Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.
"Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe and it is critical for international and transatlantic security."
The message continued: "NATO has made clear that the Arctic region is a priority and European allies are stepping up. We and many other allies have increased our presence, activities and investments to keep the Arctic safe and to deter adversaries.
"The Kingdom of Denmark – including Greenland – is part of Nato. Security in the Arctic must therefore be achieved collectively, in conjunction with Nato allies, including the United States, by upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders."
It added: "These are universal principles, and we will not stop defending them.
"The United States is an essential partner in this endeavour, as a Nato ally and through the defence agreement between the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States of 1951."
Topics: Donald Trump, US News, World News, Politics, News
Rhianna Benson