US secretary of state Antony Blinken has firmly dismissed the idea of the United States acquiring Greenland, calling it a “waste of time” to discuss, New York Post reports.
Speaking at a news conference in Paris on Wednesday, Blinken said, “The idea expressed about Greenland is obviously not a good one, but maybe more importantly, it’s obviously one that’s not going to happen.”
His remarks came in response to former President Donald Trump’s recent comments suggesting the possibility of annexing Greenland, even hinting at the use of military coercion.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, a founding NATO member. Both Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected any notion of the island being for sale.
Trump, however, remains undeterred. On Monday, he wrote on Truth Social, “Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation.”
Trump argues the island’s strategic location along Arctic shipping routes and its rare earth minerals make it vital to counter adversaries like Russia and China.
Blinken underscored the importance of maintaining strong alliances, subtly criticising Trump’s approach. “We’re stronger, we’re more effective, we get better results when we’re working closely with our allies, not saying or doing things that may alienate them,” he said.
Greenland was granted autonomy by Denmark in 2009, though its residents remain Danish citizens. While Greenland’s independence is a possibility, Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen doubts it would lead to US integration. “If they materialise, Greenland will become independent, though hardly with an ambition to become a federal state in the United States,” Rasmussen said.
For now, Blinken’s comments suggest the US has no plans to entertain Trump’s Greenland ambitions.
