Greenland PM Says He’s 'Ready to Talk' to President Trump About Its Future
TownhallJAN 11
Greenland Open to US Cooperation, Rejects Acquisition Talks
Above: Greenland Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede Image copyright: Kristian Tuxen Ladegaard Berg/Contriutor/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The Facts
Greenland Prime Minister Múte Egede on Monday expressed willingness to strengthen defense and mining ties with the US, while firmly maintaining that Greenland is not for sale and does not wish to become American territory.
This comes after US Pres.-elect Donald Trump described US control of Greenland as an "absolute necessity" for national security purposes. He also refused to rule out military or economic means to acquire the territory and his son, Donald Trump Jr., recently made an unexpected visit to the island.
In addition, House Republicans on Monday introduced the "Make Greenland Great Again Act" to authorize Trump to begin negotiations with Denmark for Greenland's acquisition, despite both Danish and Greenlandic officials repeatedly stating the territory is not for sale.
The Spin
Republican narrative
The US must secure control over Greenland to protect American national security interests. Making Greenland part of the US would help to balance Chinese and Russian influence in the increasingly strategic Arctic region. It would also secure access to critical mineral resources essential for technological advancement.
Democratic narrative
Greenland's future and independence must be determined by its own people, not external powers. Trump is clearly only interested in Greenland for its critical minerals, and if the US wants access to them, it should forge a partnership that benefits both sides.
Metaculus Prediction
Public Figures
Political split
LEFT
RIGHT
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