Since taking office, former US President Donald Trump made a series of bold and often controversial decisions. Among them was his ambition to expand US territory by integrating Canada, Panama, Mexico, and Greenland. His most notable effort was pressuring Denmark to relinquish control over Greenland, a move he justified as being of strategic importance to the United States. However, Trump’s ambitions have suffered a major setback as a recent referendum in Greenland revealed that an overwhelming 85% of its people rejected the idea of joining the US.
Only 6% Willing to Join the US
The referendum, conducted by Danish newspaper Berlingske in collaboration with polling agency Verian, clearly demonstrated that Greenlanders value their autonomy and wish to remain an independent entity rather than become a US territory. Only 6% of the population expressed willingness to join the United States, while 9% chose not to disclose their opinion.
This poll effectively shatters Trump’s earlier claims that the people of Greenland were open to becoming part of the United States. His administration had suggested that acquiring Greenland would be a straightforward process due to its limited population and economic dependence on Denmark. However, the referendum results indicate otherwise.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Stands Firm Against US Pressure
Recognizing the geopolitical significance of Greenland, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has taken a strong stance to preserve its independence. She reaffirmed her commitment to protecting international borders and ensuring Greenland remains under Denmark’s umbrella. Frederiksen has also secured diplomatic support from key European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Reacting to the referendum results, Frederiksen expressed relief and happiness, stating:
“The people of Greenland have reaffirmed their close ties with Denmark, though the way we collaborate may evolve over time.”
To strengthen its position in the Arctic region, Denmark has announced plans to invest over $2 billion in boosting its military presence there. This move is seen as a direct response to US pressure and growing tensions over Arctic influence.
The US Military’s Presence in Greenland
Greenland holds immense strategic value for the US due to its location in the Arctic Circle. The country is home to Thule Air Base, a key US military installation in the northwest region, which plays a critical role in America’s ballistic missile early-warning system. This base allows the US to monitor potential threats from Russia and China, making Greenland a prime target for geopolitical control.
While Trump viewed Greenland’s vast resources and strategic position as an opportunity for the US, his approach faced resistance not only from Denmark but also from European allies. In response to American interest, France is now considering deploying its own military forces to Greenland, though Denmark remains undecided on the matter.
A Historical Perspective: Greenland’s Autonomy
Despite its massive ice-covered landscape, Greenland is home to approximately 60,000 residents who enjoy a semi-autonomous government under Danish sovereignty. Once a Danish colony until 1953, Greenland was granted self-governance in 2009, allowing it to control its domestic affairs, while Denmark retained authority over defense and foreign relations.
Over the years, Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte B. Egede, has strongly advocated for complete independence, making it clear that Greenland is not for sale. He has repeatedly emphasized that the future of Greenland will be decided by its own people and not through external deals or political maneuvering.
The Bigger Picture: Why the US Wants Greenland
Beyond its geopolitical significance, Greenland is also rich in natural resources, including rare earth minerals, oil, and gas reserves, making it a valuable asset for global superpowers. Additionally, as the Arctic ice continues to melt, new shipping routes are opening up, which could potentially reduce the distance between Europe and North America.
For the United States, control over Greenland would mean greater influence in the Arctic, countering the rising dominance of Russia and China in the region. This explains why, under Trump, the US repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring the island.
What’s Next for Greenland?
While Trump’s ambitions have been derailed, the broader geopolitical struggle for influence in Greenland is far from over. The Arctic region is becoming an increasingly contested area, with the US, Russia, China, and European nations all competing for a foothold.
For now, Greenland remains steadfast in its independence, and its people have sent a clear message—they are not interested in becoming part of the United States. But as international tensions rise, the island may continue to be at the center of global power struggles in the years to come.
