After Greenland and Denmark strongly dismissed Donald Trump's idea of a "strategic buyout," Washington responded by trying to assert its influence. In response to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Denmark needs to accept that Greenland no longer wishes to remain under its control.

While speaking at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Rubio remarked, "Denmark should focus on the fact that Greenlanders do not want to be a part of the country anymore. Greenlanders are going to make a decision."

Greenland’s incoming Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, promptly responded, pushing back against Rubio’s claim. “He is not right that Greenland wants to secede tomorrow,” Nielsen stated, though he admitted that Greenland does aim for independence eventually. He further clarified Greenland’s stance, saying, “Greenland does not want to be Danish, but Greenland certainly doesn't want to be American either,” making it clear that their vision of independence doesn’t include aligning with the U.S.

In an interview with local broadcaster TV2, Nielsen reinforced this position, saying, “We work every day to build a foundation so that we can stand on our own in the future, but we are not there yet. What he (Rubio) says doesn't hold water.”

The United States has made gaining control over Greenland a key priority in its foreign policy strategy and hasn't ruled out using military force to achieve it. When Donald Trump initially floated the idea of the U.S. "buying" Greenland, many thought he was joking. But as time passed, it became clear that the proposal was serious.

Greenland, an autonomous territory under Denmark, lacks the diplomatic and military strength to push back against the U.S. Denmark has stepped in to defend it. However, it's also feeling the strain. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen publicly criticised the U.S., saying that Denmark and Greenland are subjected to intense "pressure and threats." She strongly rejected any U.S. attempt to take over Greenland, stressing that it would go against international law.

At a press conference held in Nuuk alongside senior Greenlandic officials, Prime Minister Frederiksen said, “You cannot annex other countries – not even under the pretext of international security.” She emphasised that the concepts of "National borders, sovereignty, territorial integrity - these are rooted in international law. These principles were established after World War II so that small countries would not have to fear large ones." She went on to express concern about recent actions, questioning, “When you seek to take over part of the Kingdom (of Denmark)'s territory when we are subjected to pressure and threats by our closest ally, what are we to think about the country we have admired for so many years?”

Denmark and Greenland have long maintained strong ties with the United States, and the U.S. even operates a key military and nuclear missile base in Greenland. However, President Trump's push to annex the resource-rich Arctic island has sparked an intense backlash and growing anti-American sentiment, mainly aimed at his administration.

Just last month, Greenland witnessed the biggest protests in its history, with citizens voicing their opposition to the U.S. actions. In a bold political move, Greenland announced the formation of a new autonomous government just hours before U.S. Vice President JD Vance was set to visit. Four major political parties formed a coalition, holding 23 out of 31 seats in Greenland’s Parliament. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the leader of the Democratic Party (Demokraatit), has been chosen to lead the new government as prime minister.