Greenland Pushes Back as Trump Reignites Talk of U.S. Control Over Arctic Island
President Donald Trump’s renewed comments about taking control of Greenland have triggered strong reactions from residents of the Arctic territory, deepening international debate over sovereignty, security, and the future of the strategically important island.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One late Sunday, Trump said the United States must secure Greenland outright rather than lease it, arguing that global rivals such as China and Russia could otherwise gain influence there. He framed the issue as a matter of national security and made clear that he sees no alternative outcome. According to Trump, acquiring Greenland is something the U.S. “has to do,” signaling that diplomatic resistance may not deter his interest.
Greenland, an autonomous territory under Denmark and home to about 57,000 people, has repeatedly rejected any idea of being sold or transferred. Danish and Greenlandic officials have consistently maintained that the island’s future is not open for negotiation. Despite this, Trump’s comments suggest he believes American involvement is inevitable, reviving a controversial idea first raised during his initial term in office.
Among Greenlanders, the response has been largely negative. Residents interviewed by international media expressed frustration, confusion, and concern over the way their homeland is being discussed by a foreign power. Some described Trump’s remarks as serious and unsettling, saying they feel their country is being treated like a commodity rather than a self-governing society with its own voice.
Several locals questioned the justification behind Trump’s security argument. Longtime residents said they have seen no visible Chinese or Russian presence on the island, pushing back against claims that Greenland is at immediate risk of foreign takeover. Others voiced deeper concerns about identity and independence, with some stating plainly that they do not want to become part of an American empire.
One hunter and fisherman summed up the mood with dark humor, saying that while Greenlanders do own guns, “our guns are not for people,” a comment that reflected both cultural traditions and a rejection of violent conflict. The remark also underscored how disconnected many residents feel from the aggressive tone of geopolitical discussions surrounding their land.
The political reaction has extended beyond Greenland itself. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to meet with Danish officials, signaling that the issue has become a formal diplomatic matter. Trump, however, continues to frame Greenland as essential to U.S. defense interests, particularly due to its location in the Arctic and its rare earth mineral resources, which are critical for modern technology and defense systems.
Trump’s interest in Greenland is not new. In 2019, he compared the idea of acquiring the island to a large real estate deal, a comment that drew global criticism and was swiftly dismissed by Danish leaders. After returning to the White House, he has revived the idea with greater urgency. As recently as March, when asked whether annexation could actually happen, Trump responded confidently that he believes it will.
