Greenland locals express views on Trump's acquisition plan.

Greenland Says No Way to Trump

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Greenlanders snicker off President Donald Trump's goal of taking over the Arctic island, viewing it as a chance to boost their own independence ambitions.

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Greenlanders are firmly against Trump's obstinate pursuit of the island, viewing it as a potential threat to their cultural roots and self-determination, while keeping their eyes set on gradual independence from Denmark.

Public Opinion- Overwhelming disapproval: Recent polls show an overwhelming 85% of Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the U.S., with just 6% in favor[4].- Cultural worries: Leaders like Aaja Chemnitz have voiced fears about losing the Inuit language and heritage under U.S. rule [4].

Political Response- Rejection of U.S. occupation: Prime Minister Jens Fredrik Nielsen declared the island "is not for sale" and criticized the U.S. for lacking respect [3].- Election aftermath: In the March 2025 parliamentary election, the Democrat Party (stood for gradual independence) won in a landslide, while the pro-independence Inuit Ataqatigiit party lost seats [2][5].- Minimal Trump support: The Qulleq party, aligned with Trump's stance, secured a mere 1% of the vote, reflecting scant support for U.S. annexation[2].

Impact on Independence Movement- Tightened Danish ties: Trump's threats have made some Greenlanders more prone to maintain Danish sovereignty for protection [2][4].- Prioritization of sovereignty: Greenland's 2024 foreign policy strategy focuses on strategic independence from global powers, including reduced reliance on Denmark through partnerships with the U.S. and EU on critical minerals [5].- Nordic cooperation: A 2025 study on independent membership for Greenland and the Faroe Islands in Nordic institutions is underway, signaling a long-term strategy for autonomy beyond Danish or U.S. influence [1].

Beyond the Headlines

The U.S. pressure has intensified Greenland's political focus on domestic issues like fisheries and welfare, distracting them from external threats [5]. Though independence is still a goal, Greenlanders are careful about swapping Danish oversight for American dominance, opting instead for a calculated, Western-aligned compass to sovereignty [5][2].

AFP reported that Greenlanders vigorously oppose becoming part of the U.S., with 85% expressing disapproval in recent polls.
In the face of Trump's persistent pursuit of the island, Greenlanders have strengthened their resolve for gradual independence from Denmark.
Greenland's foreign policy strategy in 2024 prioritizes strategic independence from global powers, including the United States, as a means to preserve their cultural roots.
The Democrat Party, which advocates for gradual independence, won the 2025 parliamentary election in a landslide, while the pro-independence Inuit Ataqatigiit party lost seats.
American domination is a concern for Greenlanders, and they are carefully navigating their path to sovereignty, opting for a calculated, Western-aligned strategy that includes partnerships with the EU and reduced reliance on Denmark.