Greenland Voters Reject Proposed U.S. Acquisition Overwhelmingly
A Look at the Political Climate amid Potential Foreign Interference
A significant number of Greenland's inhabitants express disapproval towards American annexation, according to a survey.
A recent poll in Greenland has indicated a clear rejection of the idea of becoming part of the United States, with just 6% of the population expressing support for the notion, and a staggering 85% firmly opposed. Similarly, 9% of respondents remained undecided[1].
The survey, conducted by Verian for Danish publication Berlingske and Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq, asked participants if they supported Greenland leaving the Danish kingdom and joining the United States[1].
The result comes as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to show increased interest in acquiring the territory[1]. Trump has publicly stated that Greenlanders "want to be with" the U.S[1].
This poll was conducted between January 22nd and 26th, with online interviews held with 497 representatively selected Greenlandic residents aged 18 and over[1]. Greenland's total population stands around 55,000.
Greenland's premier Múte Egede made clear that Greenland does not wish to become American[1]. Meanwhile, Danish PM Mette Frederiksen reinforced the stance that the fate of Greenland, including potential independence, can only be decided by Greenland[1].
In response to the poll, Frederiksen claimed she was pleased that many Greenlanders recognized the value in continuing close cooperation with Denmark, even if this relationship evolves in time[1]. Moreover, Frederiksen emphasized this week that there is no military threat to either Greenland or Denmark, despite Trump's threats to take over the territory[1].
Indeed, the potential acquisition of Greenland by the United States has been met with opposition from European leaders, who have expressed their support for Greenland maintaining its territorial sovereignty[1].
In addition, there have been reports that U.S. intelligence agencies are intensifying their surveillance and information gathering activities in Greenland, focusing primarily on the independence movement and public sentiment relating to U.S. involvement in mining and infrastructure projects[2][3].
These efforts have raised concerns among local and official bodies as they seem geared toward identifying potential allies in Greenland and Denmark who could support U.S. strategic interests[2][3].
| Position on U.S. Acquisition | Support Level | Political Party/Leader | Recent Actions/Statements ||------------------------------|--------------|-----------------------|---------------------------|| Opposed | 94% (approx.)| Greenlandic Population | Voted against joining the U.S[1] || In Favor | 6% (approx.) | Qulleq Party (1% of vote) | No significant actions/statements[2] || Neutral/Opposed (Danish) | N/A | Danish Government | Declined to comment on U.S. espionage reports[2] |
In the recent election, Greenland’s pro-independence Demokratiit Party won the most seats, with Jens Fredrik Nielsen, the party leader, stating explicitly that Greenland is “not for sale to anyone”[2][3].
It is essential to note that the political landscape in Greenland is shifting, with a growing tendency toward independence from Denmark. However, there remains a strong resolve to resist any foreign acquisition, especially by the United States.
- The poll results revealed a strong opposition to the U.S. acquisition of Greenland, with an approximate 94% of the Greenlandic population voting against the idea.
- The survey also showed a higher level of support for Greenland's current relationship with Denmark, with many recognizing the value in continued close cooperation.
- The political climate in Greenland is increasingly leaning towards independence from Denmark, yet there is a united stand against foreign interference, particularly from the United States.
- Greenland's premier, Múte Egede, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen have both made it clear that Greenland's future, including its potential independence, can only be decided by Greenland itself.
- Trump’s repeated statements about acquiring Greenland and reports of increased U.S. intelligence activities in the territory have raised concerns and have been met with opposition from European leaders who support Greenland's territorial sovereignty.
- In the latest election, the pro-independence Demokratiit Party, led by Jens Fredrik Nielsen, won the most seats and have reiterated that Greenland is "not for sale to anyone".
