Greenland PM seeks independence following Trump comments about acquisition

Greenland's Prime Minister Moute Egede recently expressed his intentions for the island's future, saying it was “necessary” to take major steps to gain independence from Denmark.

Egede's comments followed President-elect Donald Trump's December 22 post on Truth Social claiming “ownership and control” of Greenland, and focused on the rationale for secession from Denmark.

“The upcoming new election period must build on the foundations laid so far and build on these new steps together with the people,” Egede said. “The time has come for us to step up and shape our own future, including who we work closely with and who we trade with.”

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Fox News Digital previously reported that President Trump sought to purchase mineral-rich and geographically important territory in what he called a “massive real estate deal” during his first term.

Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede said last week: “Greenland is ours.” “We are not and never will be for sale. We must not lose our age-old struggle for freedom.

Sedco 709 offshore oil drilling rig on the Davis Straight between southwestern Greenland and Baffin Island. (Getty Images)

American interest in Greenland dates back to the 1800s.

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In 1867, the State Department recognized the strategic importance of Greenland and Iceland and considered purchasing both countries, Fox News reported. After World War IIDenmark rejected President Harry Truman's offer of $100 million for the island.

Anne of Egedal is welcomed by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Christian at a gala dinner celebrating Prince Christian's 18th birthday at Christiansborg Castle in Copenhagen on October 15, 2023. =Sophie Tornsault Olsen and Alexander Ruders Ricks Bach. 200 young people participated from 98 local governments in the country, as well as from the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Gala dinner on October 15th. (Photo by Emil Nicolai Helms / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP) / Denmark OUT (Photo by EMIL NICOLAI HELMS/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images) (Getty Images)

This land acquisition would be the largest expansion of American territory in history, surpassing the Louisiana Purchase.

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Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede said last week: “Greenland is ours.” “We are not and never will be for sale. We must not lose our age-old struggle for freedom.

Fox News Digital's Jasmine Baehr contributed to this article.