Greenland Pushes Back as Trump Renews Talk of U.S. Control Over Arctic Territory
Local inhabitants and political leaders oppose President Donald Trump’s increased calls to take control of Greenland, saying it should not be sold or used as a bargaining chip in global power politics.
President Trump remarked on Air Force One that leasing Greenland would not defend American interests and that the US must buy it. He cited national security concerns, warning that China and Russia might grow their Arctic influence if the U.S. did nothing. Trump believes controlling Greenland is important to prevent strategic rivals from entering the region.
These words refocused international attention on Greenland. Denmark controls the autonomous area, which has 57,000 residents and is strategically important in the Arctic. Modern technologies and defense systems require rare earth materials from Greenland. Despite its importance, Greenlandic and Danish officials have consistently claimed that the territory is never for sale.
The message has been heard locally. Some Greenlanders are frustrated and concerned about the situation, saying their homeland is being treated like a commodity rather than a live society with its own culture and character. One resident told reporters that Trump seemed serious, causing him to avoid American items. Others questioned whether U.S. authorities understand Greenland, arguing that daily living on the island is far from the global rivalries justifying the annexation.
A local hunter joked that Greenlanders own guns for hunting animals, not attacking humans. The comment echoed a wider feeling among residents who don’t want to fight in wars.
Washington’s tone and implications have also worried Greenland’s political leaders. Some contrasted the rhetoric to expansionist thinking in other countries, saying it instills dread and uncertainty rather than trust. Political attitudes in Greenland are mixed. Many vehemently oppose joining the US, but a smaller group says the discussion underscores long-standing questions concerning Greenland’s future and relationship with Denmark. The controversy sparked concerns regarding autonomy or full independence for them.
Denmark’s leadership is also firm. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that a US invasion of Greenland would harm NATO and other relationships. President Trump denied such claims, saying his leadership had strengthened the alliance.
The White House has maintained that greater US-Greenland ties may protect and benefit the island. Officials have claimed that American involvement may benefit both countries, but they have not proposed a plan to handle Greenland’s strong rejection.
Public opinion shows where most Greenlanders stand. A recent poll indicated that 85% of people oppose US-Greenland integration. A small minority backed the idea, and a few were undecided. The results show that Greenlanders want to decide their own future without outside coercion.
Trump has long been interested in Greenland. In his first tenure, he proposed buying the island and compared it to a large real estate deal, but Danish officials rejected it. Since returning to office, he has continued to advocate for U.S. control of Greenland, calling it necessary for national security.
U.S. officials said diplomatic talks with Denmark are underway, but Copenhagen and Nuuk leaders insist Greenland’s status is unchangeable. Danish officials have stressed that Greenlanders have the right to self-determination and must decide the island’s destiny.
Major nations will undoubtedly retain strategic interest in Greenland as Arctic rivalry intensifies. However, local inhabitants and political leaders’ strong reaction shows that any discussion regarding Greenland’s future will be met with opposition. Greenland’s message remains unchanged: it is not for sale, and its people do not wish to join a global conflict.
