Office of the President
Government of the Republic of Newfoundland

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President Crocker Responds to President Trump’s Statement on Newfoundland and Greenland

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2026

St. John’s, Newfoundland

President Crocker today issued a formal response to recent public comments by President Donald J. Trump indicating that the United States is interested in acquiring Newfoundland and Labrador as a United States territory, alongside remarks concerning Greenland.

The Government of the Republic of Newfoundland reaffirms that Newfoundland and Labrador together constitute a fully sovereign state and a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The Republic’s constitutional status, territorial integrity, and democratic institutions are settled matters and are not subjects for negotiation or transfer.

United States forces are already based in Newfoundland under existing bilateral agreements and NATO arrangements, including long-standing facilities that support North Atlantic security, aviation, and maritime operations. The Government of the Republic of Newfoundland welcomes the continued presence of United States forces and values the deep security cooperation that has developed over many decades.

“The Republic of Newfoundland is proud of its close partnership with the United States as allies and neighbours in the North Atlantic,” said President the Right Honourable Dr. Margaret Crocker, President of the Republic of Newfoundland. “Our relationship is grounded in a free trade framework, a robust security alliance through NATO, and carefully negotiated base agreements that already provide for extensive cooperation. While we are always open to strengthening our economic and security ties, our sovereignty is not for sale and not in question.”

The Government of the Republic of Newfoundland emphasizes that this long-standing partnership is anchored in mutual respect for sovereignty, shared democratic values, and the collective defence commitments of NATO. Newfoundland and the United States already benefit from a free trade relationship and a comprehensive security alliance, supported by specific base and defence cooperation agreements. These arrangements enable both countries to collaborate on shared priorities, including maritime security, Arctic and North Atlantic monitoring, search and rescue, and the facilitation of transatlantic aviation and shipping.

At the same time, the Government of the Republic of Newfoundland is clear that Newfoundland and Labrador are not interested in any form of further political integration with the United States. The Republic’s status as an independent, self-governing state is a core constitutional principle, reflecting the democratic will of its people.

The Government of the Republic of Newfoundland will continue to work constructively with the Government of the United States to enhance joint security and economic opportunities, while upholding the Republic’s sovereign decision-making and the rights and interests of its citizens. This includes a firm commitment to the rights and recognition of Indigenous Peoples such as the Mi’kmaq of Newfoundland, as affirmed in the Republic’s constitutional framework.

Any future discussions with the United States concerning defence, trade, or infrastructure will proceed strictly within the existing framework of international law, NATO obligations, and the Republic’s constitutional order, and will focus on practical cooperation rather than any changes to political status.

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Contact Information

Media Relations
Office of the President
Government of the Republic of Newfoundland
Email: media@republicofnewfoundland.com
Phone: +1-709-555-0100

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About the Government of the Republic of Newfoundland

The Government of the Republic of Newfoundland is the sovereign, democratic government of the independent Republic of Newfoundland, comprising Newfoundland and Labrador, with its capital in St. John’s. The Government of the Republic of Newfoundland maintains a maritime-focused foreign policy, upholds the rule of law and entrenched constitutional rights, and works in partnership with allies to promote security, sustainable economic development, and the well-being of all its citizens.