In Greenland’s recent parliamentary elections, the center-right Demokraatit party scored an unexpected victory, unseating Prime Minister Múte Egede’s Inuit Ataqatigiit party. The question of independence from Denmark was a key issue during the election, particularly in light of President Donald Trump’s repeated .

According to Reuters, Demokraatit’s leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, stated, “People want change… We want more business to finance our welfare.” Reuters also reported that Nielsen clarified Greenland is not seeking “independence tomorrow” and prefers a “good foundation” for separation from Denmark.

While four of the five major parties in the election, including the top two finishers, Demokraatit Party and Naleraq, support independence from Denmark, they disagree on the timeline. Greenland, with a population of around 57,000, is currently a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. However, on the island have fueled discussions about separating from Denmark.

Prime Minister Egede, whose party lost its majority, acknowledged the election results in a Facebook post, stating that he respects the outcome and that the parties are prepared for negotiations.

The Associated Press, citing Danish Broadcasting Corporation DR, reported that Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen congratulated the Demokraatit Party and noted that the Greenlandic future would face “massive pressure” from Trump. Poulsen reportedly added that “the future of Greenland is based on what the Greenlandic people and government want.”

According to the Associated Press, citing Greenlandic Broadcasting Corporation KNR TV, the Demokraatit Party experienced a significant surge in support, capturing nearly 30% of the vote compared to just 9% in 2021.

Earlier this month, Trump mentioned Greenland in his address to a joint session of Congress.

“We strongly support your right to determine your own future, and, if you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America,” Trump stated, which drew laughter from the audience. “We need Greenland for national security and even international security, and we’re working with everybody involved to try and get it… One way or the other, we’re going to get it.”

During the same address, , suggesting the U.S. would “take Greenland to heights like you have never thought possible before.”

In a January phone conversation with Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that Greenland must have the right to decide its own future. Both Prime Ministers Frederiksen and Egede had previously told President Trump that “Greenland is not for sale,” according to an Axios report.

In December 2024, then-President-elect Trump nominated Ken Howery as the US ambassador to Denmark. In a Truth Social post announcing the nomination, Trump stated that “the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.”

President Trump also expressed interest in Greenland during his first term, which caused tension with Prime Minister Frederiksen. In 2019, after the Danish Prime Minister described the idea of the U.S. purchasing Greenland as “absurd,” President Trump abruptly canceled his planned trip to Denmark, citing the “nasty” remark.