Greenland may pursue independence if its citizens choose, but becoming a U.S. state is not an option, Denmark’s foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen declared on Wednesday.

The statement followed controversial comments from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who suggested the possibility of military or economic measures to bring the Arctic island under U.S. control.

The debate over Greenland’s future surged after Trump, who is set to assume office on January 20, remarked that the U.S. might act to acquire the island.

Adding fuel to the fire, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., made a private visit to Greenland the same day.

“Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our nation. We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside world. Make Greenland Great Again!” Trump posted on Truth Social earlier this week.

According to CNN, Greenland, the world’s largest island, has been under Danish rule for six centuries. However, its 57,000 residents govern their domestic affairs, and the government, led by Prime Minister Mute Egede, has long expressed ambitions for eventual independence.

Rasmussen acknowledged Greenland’s aspirations, stating, “If they materialize, Greenland will become independent, though hardly with an ambition to become a federal state in the United States.”

While acknowledging heightened U.S. security concerns in the Arctic—driven by increased Russian and Chinese activities—Rasmussen downplayed any immediate diplomatic crisis.

He emphasized Denmark’s openness to dialogue with the U.S. on strengthening Arctic cooperation.

European nations, however, voiced unease over Trump’s comments. France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to defending its borders, while Germany reiterated its stance against altering territorial boundaries by force.

A European Commission spokesperson also stressed the importance of respecting EU sovereignty.

Despite Denmark’s measured response, Trump’s remarks have unsettled European allies just weeks before his return to the White House.

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