Senator Lindsey Graham stirred anger on Friday with comments on Greenland. The South Carolina Republican, attending the Munich Security Conference in Germany, said in an interview with Politico there, “Who give a s*** who owns Greenland? I don’t.”
The remark quickly gained attention. Anders Åslund, a prominent economist and author in Sweden, responded on X: “What a disastrous disrespect for national sovereignty & territorial integrity and international law in general. How can Lindsey Graham be a public person?”
Orla Joelsen, a native Greenlander, wrote in response on X: “We do! And not you! —You have absolutely no say whatsoever. None. Period.”
Why It Matters
The Trump administration’s Greenland policy has created tension within NATO and is viewed in Europe as politically provocative, disrespectful of sovereignty, and a sign of U.S. unilateralism.
What to Know
Last month, President Donald Trump said the United States is “seeking immediate negotiations” to acquire Greenland. He called Greenland—a semiautonomous part of Denmark—”part of North America” and “our territory” in a speech to global leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos. But Denmark and Greenland have insisted that the mostly ice-covered autonomous Arctic island is not for sale.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a statement last month, “NATO is fully aware of the position of the Kingdom of Denmark. We can negotiate about everything politically—security, investments, the economy. But we cannot negotiate about our sovereignty.”
Anders Vistisen, a member of the European Parliament and the right-wing Danish People’s Party, has criticized Trump’s interest in Greenland, notably telling the president to “f*** off” during a parliamentary session in early 2025.
A new AP‑NORC poll shows that only 24 percent of Americans support Trump’s handling of Greenland, with 72 percent disapproving.
Last month, Graham said of Greenland, “Our European allies should take this moment in history to work with President Trump to legally and fairly provide the U.S. title to Greenland so that he can build up our arctic defenses in a way that benefits everyone.”
He added in Munich today, “The point is, Greenland is going to be more fortified because Donald Trump, once he feels like it’s his brand, or he has some buy-in, is going to go big.”
In regard to the U.S., Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told Deutsche Welle today in Munich: “We have said from the beginning, if you want to do more on defense, on surveillance, on anything, we can talk about it. We already have a defense agreement where we can do stuff. And now we have the diplomatic conversations, and so we will go from there. But we are ready to talk about anything when it’s in mutual respect and in respect for international law and in security.”
What People Are Saying
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly previously told Newsweek: “As the president said, NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the United States, and Greenlanders would be better served if protected by the United States from modern threats in the Arctic region.”
Ian Bremmer, founder of the Eurasia Group consultancy, on X in response to Graham’s comments: “Almost all of the us congressional delegation at munich this year is delivering a strong message of support for the transatlantic alliance. though there are exceptions.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said last month: “Recent events confirm that the situation in Greenland is a strategic wake-up call for all of Europe.”
What Happens Next
At the Munich Security Conference, which runs from today to Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will discuss Greenland with the prime ministers of both Greenland and Denmark, Jens‑Frederik Nielsen and Mette Frederiksen, respectively. Statements following their meetings will be closely watched for any breakthroughs in negotiations.
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it’s not “both sides,” it’s sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
