There are approximately 40,000 eligible voters in an area about three times the size of Texas. They will elect 31 parliamentarians who oversee the island’s domestic affairs, while decisions on foreign and defense policy are made 2,000 miles away in Copenhagen. The leading parties all agree that the Arctic territory should eventually become independent; it is just a matter of when and how.
Greenlanders are voting in an election that may provide insight into the territory’s potential political and economic independence from Denmark. No exit polls are expected, and results are expected late Tuesday night ET. While Greenland elections typically do not attract much outside attention, President Donald Trump’s interest in the territory for national security and economic reasons has changed that dynamic.
The talk of independence in Greenland has intensified due to Trump’s involvement, according to Masaana Egede, editor of Sermitsiaq, the island’s largest newspaper. This focus on sovereignty has overshadowed other important issues such as healthcare and social problems for voters.
Greenland has a history of being ruled by Denmark as a distant colony for over 200 years before gaining more autonomy. There is widespread support for full sovereignty in Greenland, although the implications for defense and the economy are still uncertain. Five out of the six parties on the ballot in Tuesday’s vote support Greenland’s independence, differing only on the timeline.
The parties with the most seats in Greenland’s Parliament have pledged to hold a referendum on separation from Denmark, without specifying a date. Naleraq, a centrist party, is the only one that has promised a snap vote on independence.
While no party is interested in joining the U.S., Naleraq is more open to closer ties with Washington. Trump’s interest in Greenland dates back to 2019, but officials from Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected any proposals for acquisition.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede emphasized that Greenlanders are Kalaallit and not for sale, reaffirming their identity and independence.
Greenland has a military base located in the northern region. The Trump administration sees further securing Greenland as crucial for enhancing U.S. missile defense capabilities, early warning systems, and space surveillance. Additionally, the White House aims to counter Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic. Economic factors also play a role in Trump’s interest in Greenland, particularly in the south where there are valuable oil and gas reserves, as well as untapped rare earth minerals like uranium and zinc essential for consumer electronics, clean energy, and defense technologies.
Since Trump’s renewed focus on Greenland, surveys have indicated that the majority of Greenlanders are against the idea of their island becoming a part of the U.S. In a speech to Congress, Trump stated that the U.S. would gain control of Greenland “by any means necessary” while supporting the island’s right to determine its own fate.
Trump recently reiterated his stance on social media, promising safety, investment, job creation, and prosperity if Greenland chooses to join the U.S. However, Ulrik Pram Gad, a researcher, believes a referendum on independence may occur in the next two to 10 years.
Despite the long-standing security partnership between Greenland and the U.S. established in 1951, Danish Institute for International Studies expert Ulrik Pram Gad suggests that unless Trump takes drastic actions, the security arrangements are unlikely to change. Editor Egede mentions that Denmark still makes decisions on 32 areas affecting Greenland, indicating a gradual path towards independence if one decision is transferred each year.
