Another resident, Edvard Jensen, was less concerned, stating to DR that he doubted Trump would make a move to invade Greenland. “He just craves attention, and now he has it.” The reaction from Greenland’s residents mirrored the bewilderment expressed by European leaders on Wednesday in light of Trump’s statements. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz admitted to being perplexed by the comments from the incoming president, while France’s foreign minister emphasized that any encroachment within European borders would not be tolerated.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, has been under Denmark’s control since the 14th century, with a majority of its citizens belonging to Inuit tribes. The autonomous territory’s longstanding independence movement does not align with the notion of being sold by the Danish government to the U.S. “We are a proud Indigenous people with the right to self-determination and not a commodity for trade,” expressed Aaja Chemnitz, a member of Greenland’s parliament. She emphasized that the future of Greenland is for its people to determine, with the majority aspiring for independence.
Despite willingness for cooperation with the U.S., Canada, and like-minded nations, Chemnitz clarified that Greenland is not up for sale and will never be. Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede has also rejected Trump’s proposal to acquire the country. While the debate over independence has been central to Greenlandic politics, Trump’s interest in obtaining the Arctic territory has garnered attention from both pro- and anti-independence factions.
Inger Skydsbjerg, an administration worker in Nuuk, expressed a preference for maintaining ties with Copenhagen and disapproved of Trump’s intentions. She cited the presence of the Arctic Command in Greenland as a factor that provides security, stating, “We are content with this.” Denmark has reaffirmed its commitment to retaining Greenland, as evidenced by King Frederik’s recent adjustment to the royal coat of arms, emphasizing Greenlandic symbolism.
Trump’s persistent pursuit of Greenland has been evident since his first term in office, with his recent comments on the Truth Social platform suggesting potential benefits for the territory. Some Greenlanders, including Nuuk resident Julius Sandgreen, expressed admiration for Trump’s stance, with Sandgreen considering the president-elect as a protector of Greenland.
While Denmark and the U.S. maintain interest in the Arctic region, other nations such as Russia are closely monitoring developments. A spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the national interests in the Arctic, highlighting the importance of peace and stability in the region. Various global leaders have responded cautiously to Trump’s indications regarding Greenland.
The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, characterized the United States as Denmark’s “most important ally” amid concerns about a potential U.S. interest in invading a fellow NATO member. Frederiksen scheduled a meeting on Thursday to address President Trump’s reported intentions, with the country’s political leaders expected to convene thereafter.
While official discussions took place, ordinary Danes expressed bewilderment at the situation. Copenhagen resident Birgitte Jakobsen conveyed her confusion to Reuters, stating, “It’s a strange thing to threaten our allied countries, and I don’t understand what he is doing quite honestly.” In Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, some residents such as social worker Terkil Husum Isaksen took exception to the reported threats, regardless of their veracity.
“We are a peaceful country and we want to live our own life,” Isaksen remarked to DR. “And then to make threats like that, that is far beyond the line.”
The uncertainty surrounding the U.S.’s intentions towards NATO allies has stirred reactions both domestically in Denmark and among residents of Greenland. As diplomatic discussions unfold, the implications of these reported threats on international relations remain a point of concern for many.
