By Micah Jonah
January 10, 2026
Greenland’s parliament will bring forward a planned meeting to discuss its response to statements from the United States, suggesting possible control over the Arctic island, according to a joint statement from leaders of all five political parties represented in the assembly.
United States President Donald Trump has said Washington must own Greenland to prevent future influence or occupation by rival powers such as Russia or China. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and is strategically located with significant mineral resources.
In their joint statement, the party leaders expressed strong opposition to what they described as disrespect toward Greenland’s sovereignty.
They said the people of Greenland do not wish to become Americans or Danes, stressing instead their identity as Greenlanders. The statement was shared publicly by Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens Frederik Nielsen.
The leaders said the parliamentary meeting would be brought forward to allow for a fair and comprehensive political debate and to ensure that the rights of the people are protected. A new date has not yet been announced. Greenland’s parliament last convened in November and was originally scheduled to meet again in early February.
President Trump said on Friday that the United States would take action on Greenland regardless of opposition, arguing that the existing United States military presence on the island under a 1951 defence agreement with Denmark is insufficient to guarantee security.
Trump’s renewed focus on Greenland has raised concern among many of the island’s approximately 57thousand residents, most of whom support the long term goal of full independence.
A 2009 agreement between Greenland and Denmark formally recognized the right of Greenlanders to choose independence through a democratic process. While all five political parties support independence, they remain divided over the timing and approach.
The party leaders said Greenland’s future must be decided by its people without external pressure, interference, or forced timelines. They added that they seek dialogue rooted in diplomacy and respect for international principles.
