Greenland’s strategic defense upgrade: This country’s billion-dollar response to Donald Trump  

The Danish government has announced a significant plan to strengthen Greenland's defense capabilities, following statements by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who declared his desire to acquire the Arctic state. Greenland, with a population of only about 56,000, is a strategic hub for both Denmark and the United States.

Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poelsen told the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten that the government plans to invest billions of Danish crowns in "double digits" to upgrade Greenland's defence systems. According to estimates, this budget will range from €1.34 billion to €13.27 billion.

Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Sunday that the United States seeks to gain control of Greenland "for national security and freedom around the world." In response, Greenland's Prime Minister, Motha Agada, clarified that "Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland" and stressed: "Greenland is not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for independence."

Greenland, which was formerly a Danish colony until 1953, is now considered a country with extensive local government but is still affiliated with the Danish crown. Greenland citizens are considered Danish citizens, but they aspire to maintain their independence.

* Channel 14 contributed to this article.