Former Greenlandic parliament member Tillie Martinussen has delivered a powerful rejection of American interest in her homeland. She firmly stated that Greenlanders have no desire to become wealthy like Americans. Martinussen openly accused Washington of displaying pure greed in its approach.
Responding to Trump's Acquisition Proposals
Martinussen was directly addressing suggestions from former President Donald Trump about acquiring Greenland. These proposals included an offer to pay each resident one hundred thousand dollars. She made her position crystal clear despite this substantial financial incentive.
"Even if you offer $100,000 per person, we will not give up free healthcare, free education, and being a part of Europe," Martinussen declared emphatically. She explained that monetary compensation becomes meaningless when fundamental rights disappear.
The former MP highlighted racial considerations in her argument. "We are not white. We are people of colour. We know our rights would likely be taken away," she added with conviction.
Beyond Resource Wealth
Martinussen emphasized that opposition to American overtures extends far beyond Greenland's natural resources. She acknowledged the presence of valuable minerals and oil beneath Greenlandic soil. These resources hold significantly greater worth than the proposed cash payments.
"Even if there are minerals and oil under our land - and they are worth far more - we still would not sell ourselves," she asserted firmly. Martinussen pointed to historical patterns of mistreatment as her evidence.
She specifically referenced the difficult experiences of Indigenous populations in Alaska and Native Americans across the continental United States. "We know what happened to Indigenous people in Alaska and Native Americans. Their land was taken, and they were not treated well," Martinussen noted with concern.
Rejecting Transactional Logic
The former parliament member completely dismissed the transactional thinking often applied to Greenland's resources. She criticized what she perceives as American avarice in strong terms.
"Look how greedy [Americans] are, even trying to invade their friends," Martinussen remarked pointedly. Her comments reflect deep skepticism about American intentions.
Growing International Concern
Public anxiety about Trump's proposals has expanded well beyond Greenland's borders. On January seventeenth, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Copenhagen. They protested vigorously against American threats to seize the Arctic island.
Escalating Trade Tensions
Adding substantial pressure to an already tense situation, President Trump announced punitive trade measures. Beginning February first, 2026, multiple European nations will face new tariffs.
The affected countries include:
- Denmark
- Norway
- Sweden
- France
- Germany
- The United Kingdom
- The Netherlands
- Finland
These nations will encounter a ten percent tariff on goods exported to the United States initially. The tariff rate will increase dramatically to twenty-five percent starting June first, 2026.
Hope for Reconsideration
Despite these mounting tensions, Martinussen maintains hope for diplomatic resolution. She expressed her desire for the Trump administration to reassess its current approach during a television interview.
"I want the administration to abandon this crazy idea," she stated clearly. Martinussen remains unconvinced by American promises of improvement.
"Even if they claim they want to make Greenland better than the Danes, they are now being openly threatened," she observed. The former MP reiterated Greenland's unique approach to land ownership.
"Ownership of land belongs to everyone here. Private ownership is not allowed. We will not give up being a part of Europe," Martinussen concluded definitively. Her message underscores Greenland's commitment to its current social systems and international affiliations.
