NUUK, Greenland — In recent weeks, Greenlanders have found themselves thrust into the global limelight following a controversial statement by U.S. President Donald Trump expressing interest in acquiring their Arctic homeland. For many in Greenland, the proposition is met with clear disapproval. Residents express a mix of concern, bewilderment, and even optimism as Trump’s remarks have kindled unprecedented interest in attaining full independence from Denmark, a central theme in the upcoming parliamentary elections on March 11.
The interest in Greenland is driven by its significant strategic and resource value, even if it is not widely recognized globally. The U.S. and other world powers eye Greenland’s strategic Arctic location, rare earth minerals crucial for telecommunications, and the prospective billions of barrels of untapped oil. As climate change continues to melt the ice covering most of Greenland, potential shipping and trade routes may open, potentially altering global coastlines and weather patterns.
Greenland is vast, with an area equivalent to a fifth of the United States or three times the size of Texas. While geographically part of North America, its capital, Nuuk, lies closer to New York than to Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen. The island is the world’s largest, with a population of 57,000, the majority of whom are Indigenous Inuit. These residents hold deep cultural pride and a strong commitment to preserving traditions that have enabled survival in some of the globe’s harshest environments.
Trump’s suggestion of American sovereignty over Greenland, citing national security needs, has not sat well with many Greenlanders. They perceive such statements as a threat to their autonomy. Although Greenland achieved self-rule in 1979 and governs through its parliament, Denmark, which colonized Greenland 300 years ago, retains control over foreign and defense policy.
Trump’s comments sparked a political crisis in Denmark, prompting the Prime Minister to visit several European capitals seeking support against what she described as an increasingly uncertain global situation. Meanwhile, Denmark enhanced its military presence in and around Greenland. The Greenlandic economy, heavily reliant on fisheries, benefits from an annual grant of approximately $600 million from Denmark.
Some Greenlanders, like Inuk filmmaker and writer Aka Hansen, harbor suspicions about Trump’s intentions. Nonetheless, they acknowledge that his remarks have drawn global attention to their homeland. Many locals desire respect and oppose any form of external colonization. Yet, Trump’s rhetoric has inadvertently fueled ambitions for Greenlandic independence.
There have been historical grievances against Denmark, including accusations of past abuses against Greenland’s Inuit, such as the forced relocation of children and the use of contraceptive measures aimed at controlling population growth during the 1950s through the 1970s.
While President Trump has yet to visit Greenland, his son, Donald Trump Jr., made an appearance in Nuuk earlier this year aboard a plane emblazoned with the Trump name. The capital city has since attracted numerous journalists eager to gauge local reactions to Trump’s comments. Influential pro-Trump media figures, known as the Nelk Boys, have also visited, distributing MAGA hats and cash among the children of Nuuk.
Though initially dismissed in 2019, talk of the U.S. acquiring Greenland has resurfaced during Trump’s second term. The topic has had a ripple effect, sparking a significant dialogue about Greenland’s future status and relationship with Denmark.
