Greenland's prime minister says Arctic island doesn’t want to be part of the US: 'Always be a strong partner'

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Greenland's prime minister appears to have firmly rejected President-elect Donald Trump's wish to purchase the self-governing Danish territory, stating that Greenlanders want to remain neither Americans nor Danes.

In the last 80 years, we think there's a lot to look forward to in future cooperation with you. However, we also want to be clear: we don't want to be like Americans, and we don't want to be part of the U.S., but we do want to work closely with the U.S."

At a news conference at Mar-a-Lago earlier this month, President Trump stated he wouldn't rule out using military or economic pressure to acquire Greenland or the Panama Canal.

"They are crucial for our economic stability," he said. The forthcoming 47th president considers the Arctic island to be essential to the United States' national security.

In mid-January, I spoke with some residents who didn't seem too enthusiastic about Trump's plans.

"I would rather be in Denmark than in the U.S.," said one man whose name was not given.

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"They've lost nearly all of the good feelings people used to have for them," said another man.

One resident of Greenland, Jorgen Boassen, who has been a supporter of Trump for years, explained that his home country is both the "front door" to the United States and potential threat from foreign adversaries like Russia and China.

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Fox News anchor Bret Baier asked Egede if Greenlanders would vote for independence from Denmark if given the chance.

If we take those steps, we will always be part of the Western alliance and a strong partner for the U.S. because your security is our security, he said.

The prime minister recognized the abundance and scarcity of rare minerals found in Greenland, including zinc, gold, and uranium, and urged stronger partnerships with the United States and the European Union to help diversify the territory's economy and attract investment.

"We have a lot to cooperate with, so we're ready to accept investment from the U.S. here in our country," Egede added. He noted that currently, there are no Chinese firms based and operating in Greenland.

Greenland's prime minister says Arctic island doesn't want to be part of the US: "Always be a strong partner"