Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede unequivocally ruled out former U.S. President Donald Trump’s new ambitions to annex the Arctic island, observing that the islanders do not envision their future either with the United States or Denmark.

Following Trump’s remarks in a political address to the U.S. Congress, in which he vowed to buy Greenland ‘one way or another’, Egede took to Facebook to make it abundantly clear that he was opposed to Trump’s ambitions vigorously. “We do not want to be Americans, nor Danes either. We are Greenlanders.The Americans and their president should know that,” he said. He continued saying, “We are not on sale and cannot be claimed this way. Our future is being decided by us in Greenland.” His remark comes at the time of Greenland’s parliament election, when the hotly debated issue of independence is still a central concern.

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Trump’s speech was largely domestic in nature, with discussion of immigration restraint and federal budget cutting the main topics, with only glancing mentions of foreign affairs. But he reiterated his desire to buy Greenland, expressing solidarity with its citizens. “We strongly support your right to determine your own future, and if you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America,” he said. But simultaneously, he clarified that the vision would not be dropped, affirming, “One way or the other we’re going to get it. We will keep you safe, we will make you rich, and together, we will take Greenland to heights like you have never thought possible before.”

Denmark, in turn, possessing sovereignty over independent Greenland, turned down Trump’s expansionist aspirations as well. In Copenhagen, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told public broadcaster DR that U.S. annexation of Greenland “won’t happen.” Repurposing the same sentiments, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen spoke of exercising restraint, stating, “I think everyone, including us, should be cautious about having all kinds of opinions about the future” of Greenland.

Trump’s territorial ambitions extend well beyond Greenland. He has also vowed to reclaim the Panama Canal, which was handed over from U.S. to Panama in 1999. Declaring triumph over a recent port deal, Trump referenced Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison’s sale of its Panama ports to a U.S.-led consortium. He blamed China for taking too much control of the canal and intimated that the U.S. would reassert influence. “To further enhance our national security, my administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal, and we’ve already started doing it,” Trump stated. He added, “We didn’t give it to China. Gave it to Panama — and we’re taking it back.”

Although Trump has not ruled out military action for either Greenland or the Panama Canal, he continues to present himself as a peacemaker. He vowed to end the war in Ukraine and has faced criticism for stopping aid to Ukraine. During a recent White House visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized him and labeled him ingratitude personified. In an attempt to mend the schism, Zelensky then made a statement of willingness to sign a treaty in which the U.S. would claim large portions of Ukraine’s mineral resources. Trump again reiterated his stance, stating, “It’s time to end this senseless war. If you want to end wars, you have to talk to both sides.”

At the same time, his administration has reduced more than 90 percent of American development aid, historically a major tool for projecting non-military power abroad. Trump has defended the reductions by arguing that foreign assistance is not in America’s interest.