NUUK, Greenland — Rising before dawn, Lisa Sólrun Christiansen dedicates her mornings to crafting intricately patterned wool sweaters, made with thick yarns to capture Greenland’s Inuit heritage and offer warmth to buyers around the globe. A routine check of current news, once a peaceful start to her day, now stirs unease due to reports concerning the intentions of the U.S. and President Donald Trump regarding her homeland.
At 57, Christiansen, the proud daughter of Inuit and Danish lineage, treasures Greenland deeply. Her late father, an artist and educator of renown, was the creator of Greenland’s red-and-white flag, symbolizing unity and national pride. “He always believed the flag belonged to the people, not him,” she reflects, remembering his hopes for uniting Greenlanders under his creation.
Yet, as climate change exposes the Arctic’s resources, Greenland worries about becoming a geopolitical pawn amongst the U.S., Russia, and China. The U.S. desires more oversight over Greenland’s mineral wealth and strategic northern routes, fueling concerns over American dominance that could hinder Greenland’s journey to independence. Worry grew when Usha Vance, wife of the U.S. Vice President, announced her attendance at Greenland’s national dogsled race, with key U.S. officials following suit to visit military sites.
Amidst these developments, Vice President JD Vance highlighted the U.S. commitment to security during a base visit, emphasizing Greenland’s role in global stability. The visit and recent U.S. interests prompted local backlash, straining diplomatic ties as Greenland seeks political stability following recent elections.
Denmark’s recognition of Greenland’s self-rule aspirations since 2009 weighs against potential shifts in U.S. strategy, where Trump’s administration expressed interest in purchasing the island. Although historically seen as an odd outreach, Trump’s renewed focus on Greenland’s assets reignites debates around sovereignty and geopolitical strategy.
The U.S. military’s presence, a relic of strategic importance from World War II, remains a focal point. The Pituffik Space Base, integral to NATO operations, underscores Greenland’s strategic role amid renewed international Arctic competition. Nevertheless, Trump’s aggressive stance and past integration proposals met resistance from both Greenlanders and Denmark, preferring autonomy over American stewardship.
While local critiques abound, some Greenlanders, like Jørgen Boassen of American Daybreak, see potential benefits in Greenland-U.S. collaboration matching the Marshall Islands’ free-association model, allowing sovereignty alongside U.S. defense control. Greenlanders, new and native alike, prize independence, desiring a future steered by their vision, not external governance.
“Our destiny should remain ours alone,” urges Christiansen, knitting resolutely as Greenland faces an uncertain future.