Overwhelming Majority of Greenlanders Reject U.S. Ownership, Poll Reveals
A recent opinion poll has revealed that an overwhelming 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the United States, contradicting claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump that the island's residents are keen on such a move. The survey, conducted by polling company Verian and commissioned by Danish newspaper Berlingske and Greenland's Sermitsiaq publication, found that only 6% of Greenlanders would prefer to be part of the U.S. In comparison, 9% remained undecided.
The poll results come amid renewed interest from President Trump in acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. This development has sparked diplomatic tensions and raised questions about the future of the strategically important Arctic island.
Greenland's Stance on Independence and U.S. Ownership
Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede has responded to Trump's comments by emphasizing the territory's desire for independence. In a joint press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen, Egede stated, "We have a passion for freedom, to be the master of our own house.
This is something everyone should respect."In a Fox News interview, Egede further clarified Greenland's position: "The Greenlandic people don't want to be Danes. The Greenlandic people don't want to be Americans." This statement directly challenges President-elect Trump's assertion that Greenlanders are keen on joining the United States.
Trump's Interest in Greenland
President Trump has repeatedly declared that controlling Greenland - the world's largest island - is necessary for U.S. national security, particularly concerning Russia and China. The president's son, Donald Trump Jr., even visited Greenland recently, distributing "Make America Great Again" hats. Climate change is opening up the Arctic for competition between superpowers and could make accessing Greenland's mineral resources easier.
In a recent statement, Trump insisted that "ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity" for U.S. national security and global freedom. The president-elect has not ruled out using military or economic action, such as tariffs against Denmark, to gain control of the island.
Denmark's Response
The Danish government has been working to convince Trump that his security concerns can be addressed without the U.S. claiming ownership of Greenland. Recently, Denmark sent private messages to Trump's team expressing a willingness to discuss boosting security in Greenland or increasing the U.S. military presence on the island.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has requested a meeting with Trump to discuss the situation. Greenlandic Prime Minister Egede has also expressed readiness to talk with the president-elect. Egede emphasized, "Greenland is for the Greenlandic people. We do not want to be Danish; we do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic."
Greenland's Strategic Importance
The United States already maintains a military base on Greenland and has an agreement with Denmark dating back to 1951 regarding the island's defense. Danish officials have indicated they are exploring further measures to increase investment in military infrastructure and capabilities in Greenland in consultation with the Greenlandic government.
Prime Minister Egede stated that if Greenland were to achieve independence, it would want to remain part of NATO as a member state and maintain strong security and defense partnerships with the U.S. and EU. "It's important to see that if Greenland takes those steps, we'll always be a part of the Western alliance and a strong partner for [the] U.S.," he said, "because your security is our security."
Historical Context
Greenland has been tied politically and culturally to Denmark for over a century. The island, home to more than 55,000 people, has been Danish-owned since the early 18th century and became a fully integrated part of the country in 1953. However, this is not the first time a U.S. president has shown interest in acquiring Greenland. In 1946, President Harry Truman offered $100 million to buy the island from Denmark, which was rejected.
International Reactions
The situation has caught many European capitals off guard. One European diplomat told Axios that Denmark is widely seen as one of the closest allies of the U.S. within the EU, and no one could have imagined it would be the first country with which Trump would pick a fight.
Danish politicians have mocked Trump's idea. Soren Espersen, foreign affairs spokesman for the Danish People's Party, told broadcaster DR, "If he is truly contemplating this, then this is final proof that he has gone mad. The thought of Denmark selling 50,000 citizens to the United States is completely ridiculous." Former Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen tweeted, "It has to be an April Fool's joke... Totally out of season!"
Future Implications
The poll results and subsequent reactions from Greenlandic and Danish officials highlight the complex geopolitical situation surrounding Greenland. As climate change continues to alter the Arctic landscape, the region's strategic importance is likely to increase, potentially leading to further diplomatic tensions.
Prime Minister Egede has welcomed strong partnerships with the EU and the U.S., expressing openness to increased European and American investment in the island's mining sector. However, he maintains that Greenlanders would choose independence if given a chance to vote in a referendum and that the decision should be left in their hands.
As the situation develops, the incoming Trump administration's approach to its relationship with Greenland and Denmark remains to be seen. This poll revealed that Greenlanders strongly oppose U.S. ownership, which may force a reconsideration of any plans to acquire the island. However, Greenland's strategic importance in the changing Arctic landscape ensures that it will remain a focus of international attention in the future.