Greenlanders React to Trump's Annexation Threats

President Donald Trump has renewed discussions about annexing Greenland, sparking widespread concern among residents and international leaders. The renewed focus follows a recent military raid in Venezuela, which has made the threats feel more immediate to locals.

Greenlandic residents and officials have made it clear they are open to collaboration with the United States but firmly oppose being purchased or taken by force. Trump has argued that Greenland's strategic location is vital for national security, particularly as melting Arctic ice opens new shipping routes and intensifies competition with Russia and China. However, local business owners fear financial risks, and government officials have called the approach offensive.

European leaders have rallied to defend Greenland's autonomy. Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rejected the idea as "absurd" and warned that any US military action would severely damage NATO unity. A joint statement from major European nations affirmed that Greenland's future belongs to its people and Denmark alone.

Residents of Greenland are expressing growing anxiety as President Donald Trump's interest in the territory intensifies. The fear has escalated following recent geopolitical events, making the possibility of a US takeover feel more realistic to many.

Tupaarnaq Kreutzmann Kleist, a sheep farmer in South Greenland, voiced her uncertainty: "I don't know what he's able to do. Most of me is trying to tell myself, 'Don't worry, everything's going to be fine,' but still I'm worried."

The economic implications are also a major concern for the region's developing tourism sector. Casper Frank Møller, CEO and cofounder of the tourism company Raw Arctic, highlighted the financial risks involved.

"We've made investments into developing our tourism aspects of our company, and it comes with risk now because of the geopolitical situation and the threats by Trump, so of course, yeah, we're all really worried," Møller stated.

Despite the anxiety, the core sentiment among Greenlanders remains one of self-determination. Møller emphasized the local desire for autonomy: "We want Greenland to be the Greenlanders, and we're not for sale. We are not to be taken over."

President Donald Trump has maintained that Denmark is not doing enough to safeguard the territory. He explicitly stated the motivation behind the push: "We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security."

Trump's argument centers on the strategic value of the Arctic island. He notes that the Arctic location is crucial as melting ice opens new shipping routes and increases competition with global powers Russia and China. The island is rich in critical minerals and hosts a key US military base that officials say is vital for missile defense and Arctic security.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the administration is serious about its intentions. In a statement, she noted that Trump and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue Greenland, including "utilizing the US Military."

For many locals, the reality of the situation shifted during Donald Trump Jr.'s visit to Nuuk in January 2025. Qupanuk Olsen, a prominent Greenlandic influencer and engineer, noted that prior to the visit, locals thought the idea was a joke. "That's when we realized that Trump's words were no longer just words," Olsen said. "They are real, and he means what he says."

The international community has responded firmly to the threats. Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged the United States to "stop the threats against a historically close ally." She has previously rejected Trump's suggestions outright, telling him that Greenland is not for sale and that annexation is "absurd."

Frederiksen has warned of severe consequences if the US were to take military action, suggesting it would raise questions about the stability of NATO unity.

Within Greenland's government, there is a nuanced view on cooperation. Naaja Nathanielsen, the minister of natural resources, business, energy, justice, and gender equality, sees potential for partnership but objects to the current approach.

"I think if we take the temperature down a bit and de-escalate the conflict level and the rhetoric, I think we can, in agreement with each other, find many paths forward that is mutually beneficial for both the US and for us," Nathanielsen said. However, she added, "We don't appreciate being talked about as a commodity, as something you can buy or sell or acquire or take. That is, of course, offensive to all people."

On Tuesday, major European leaders, including those from France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, Poland, and Denmark, released a joint statement defending Greenland. The statement was unequivocal: "Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland."

The renewed pressure from the United States has had an unexpected effect on the local political landscape. Qupanuk Olsen noted that the situation has pushed Greenlanders to think more seriously about their place in the world.

"It was such a huge wake-up call for everyone in Greenland because suddenly we needed to have an opinion whether we still want to stay under Denmark, whether we should become independent, or whether we should become a state under the United States," Olsen explained. She believes the options presented have been helpful for the independence movement.

However, the external pressure is also creating internal divisions. Tupaarnaq Kleist expressed concern that "we as the local indigenous Greenlandic people are slowly going against each other now." She noted that while some want to stand with America and others with Denmark, the ultimate dream for many remains independence.

As the debate heats up, the people of Greenland are navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, balancing the desire for economic development and security against the fundamental right to self-determination.