A recent poll conducted in Greenland revealed that an overwhelming majority of the population opposes the idea of the island becoming a U.S. territory. The survey, conducted by polling firm Verian for Greenland’s national newspaper Sermitsiaq and Danish media outlet Berlingske, sought to assess public sentiment following renewed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that Greenland should come under American control. According to the results, 85% of respondents were against the idea of the island being incorporated into the U.S., while only 6% supported it. The remaining percentage either had no opinion or were undecided.
On December 23, 2024, Trump reaffirmed his belief that the U.S. should control Greenland, posting on his Truth Social account that ownership of the island was an “absolute necessity” for the country. Since returning to office on January 20, Trump has repeatedly claimed that all 57,000 residents of Greenland want to be part of the United States, despite survey results indicating strong opposition. His comments have sparked renewed debate about U.S. intentions in the Arctic region and raised concerns in Denmark and Greenland about potential pressure from Washington.
Greenland, an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty since 1953, has long been of interest to the U.S. due to its strategic location in the Arctic and its abundance of natural resources, including rare minerals that are crucial for modern technology and defense industries. The U.S. has maintained a military presence in Greenland for decades, most notably through Thule Air Base, a key component of American missile defense and early warning systems. However, the idea of outright U.S. control over Greenland has been met with resistance from both Greenlandic and Danish authorities.
Recent diplomatic interactions between Washington and Copenhagen have reflected heightened tensions over the issue. According to The Financial Times, Trump and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen engaged in a tense 45-minute phone call regarding Greenland, leaving officials in Copenhagen deeply concerned about the administration’s intentions. Trump’s renewed push for U.S. influence over Greenland has reignited fears that his government may take a more aggressive approach to securing access to the island, whether through economic incentives, diplomatic pressure, or other means.
Trump initially floated the idea of purchasing Greenland during his first term in office, a proposal that Denmark firmly rejected. At the time, Frederiksen called the notion “absurd,” prompting Trump to cancel a planned visit to Denmark in response. However, with Trump’s return to the White House, concerns have resurfaced that the U.S. may attempt to assert stronger claims over Greenland, either through diplomatic channels or by leveraging its military and economic influence.
While Greenland enjoys autonomy in most domestic matters, Denmark remains responsible for its foreign policy and defense. Any attempt to change Greenland’s status would require approval from both Greenlandic and Danish governments. Greenlandic leaders have repeatedly emphasized their commitment to self-governance and their desire to eventually achieve full independence from Denmark rather than becoming part of another country. The strong opposition reflected in the poll suggests that any efforts by the U.S. to push for control over Greenland will likely face significant resistance from both the local population and Danish authorities.
The renewed focus on Greenland comes at a time when Arctic geopolitics are increasingly important, with countries such as Russia and China expanding their presence in the region. The U.S. has expressed concerns over China’s growing interest in Arctic infrastructure projects and Russia’s military activities in the region, positioning Greenland as a critical geopolitical asset. While Trump has framed U.S. control over Greenland as a strategic necessity, the people of Greenland have made their stance clear, with the overwhelming majority rejecting any change in sovereignty. Whether the issue will continue to escalate remains to be seen, but for now, both Greenlandic and Danish leaders appear united in their opposition to any U.S. attempt to acquire the island.
