Donald Trump is seeking to involve his national security team in further discussions about maybe buying Greenland with America’s national treasure. He originally floated this idea all the way back in 2019. The White House has confirmed that the idea remains under consideration, despite Greenland’s clear stance against being part of the United States. In fact, today’s political leaders from Greenland have come together to announce their intent to break away. They think the future of Greenland should be decided solely by its citizens.
Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has long turned heads due to its considerable natural resources. These rich deposits include commercially valuable rare-earth minerals and deep and promising oil and gas reserves. Trump has asserted that the region is under assault from Russian and Chinese incursions into their maritime space. He stated, “We’re not going to have Russia or China occupy Greenland. That’s what they’re going to do if we don’t.” Comments such as these have left some U.S. allies and partners wondering what type of permanent military presence and influence the U.S. seeks in the Arctic region.
In light of Trump’s renewed interest, leaders of five political parties in the Greenlandic parliament issued a joint statement asserting their commitment to self-determination. They insisted that no foreign power has the right to meddle in their domestic issues. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has firmly stated, “The future of Greenland must be decided by Greenlanders,” adding that the population does not wish to become American or Danish but rather seeks to retain their identity as Greenlanders.
Historical context adds depth to this issue. As a relic of World War II, the U.S. has kept a military base on the northwestern tip of Greenland. Over 100 active-duty military personnel are now stationed on its shores. Current treaties with Denmark allow for the U.S. to position an unlimited number of service members in Greenland. Others see the military presence as a bad policy choice. Those living in Greenland are very much uneasy, as they are hoping to exercise their independence.
Local polling data tells a different story, with a clear lack of support for American ownership across the aisle from both Greenlanders and Americans. Roughly 85% of Greenland’s people have made it known that they are against the prospect of joining the U.S. Only 7% of Americans support a large scale military invasion of Greenland. This bleak number underscores a tremendous gap between Trump’s goals and the public’s mood.
In response to concerns about foreign influence, Prime Minister Nielsen along with other party leaders stated, “No other country can meddle in this. We must decide our country’s future ourselves – without pressure to make a hasty decision, without procrastination, and without interference from other countries.” This united front further underscores the need for and value of autonomy as an asset for Greenland as it continues to explore international relations.
Trump’s comments regarding NATO, “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have a NATO right now,” illustrate his perspective on security alliances and territorial claims. When it comes to current tensions, military officials have tried to undercut the urgency to act. U.S. General Alexus Grynkewich noted, “There’s been no impact on my work at the military level up to this point … I would just say that we’re ready to defend every inch of alliance territory still today,” suggesting that while discussions continue, the situation remains stable.
The unifying theme of the Greenlander experience is one of an independent nature and a sense of self-identity. Nielsen emphasized this by stating, “We don’t want to be Americans, we don’t want to be Danish, we want to be Greenlanders.” This assertion belies an age-old longing for self-rule and independence in the new and more complicated geopolitical reality.