Greenland is successfully making an assertive move for its independence. This in part is a reaction to the sustained influence of former US president Donald Trump. His suggestion that the U.S. outright purchase Greenland for security reasons has raised tempers between the United States and Denmark. As Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Greenland’s recently-elected Prime Minister, asserted last week, Greenland will never be seen as a piece of real estate to be purchased. This announcement comes on the heels of Trump’s incendiary comments about possibly needing to use military force to take the territory.
Nielsens’ recent inauguration as the head of Greenland’s new coalition government. It was his first visit to neighbouring Denmark since the centre-right Democrats party formed a political coalition that won the legislative elections in March. He came at a particularly tense moment, just days after Trump’s incendiary remarks. On this visit, joined by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Nielsen went as hard as possible. Together they decried the US administration’s violation of Greenland’s sovereignty.
A United Front Against Disrespect
In a late April press conference held during his U.S. visit, Nielsen said he was particularly upset over the inflammatory U.S. He stated, “We are in a situation now where we need to stand together. The talk from the United States has not been respectful.” This statement perfectly summarizes the frustration expressed by Greenlandic, and indeed, Danish officials at Trump’s curious style of international relationship-building.
Frederiksen echoed this sentiment, stating, “This is not only about Greenland or Denmark. This is about the world order that we have built together across the Atlantic over generations. You cannot annex another country.” Her remarks are a reminder of the real-world consequences of Trump’s rhetoric on international diplomacy and the tenuous balance of power.
Nielsen again emphasized Greenland’s willingness to bolster relations with the United States as well as Denmark. He said, “We are ready for a strong partnership, we are ready for more development, but we want respect.” This ambitious assertion points to a deep-seated wish from Greenland to cooperate, but not at the cost of independence.
Public Sentiment and Future Relations
Recent polls suggest that at least three-quarter of Greenland’s 57,000 inhabitants wish to break free from the Danish realm. Yet they don’t want to be on the same side as the United States. Proud of their heritage, this mindset reflects a greater wish for autonomy and recognition of their independence. The Prime Minister’s remarks resonate with this public sentiment, as he firmly stated, “The United States will not get Greenland.”
Nielsen’s two-day visit to Copenhagen included meetings with Denmark’s King Frederik and members of the Danish parliament. King Frederik intends to join Nielsen on the return trip to Greenland. The gesture underscores the deep linkages that persist between the two territories, even as tensions with the US continue to mount.
Third, rather than articulating a vision themselves, in March, US Vice president JD Vance traveled to Greenland. Both Greenland and Danish officials considered his visit provocative. During his trip, he stated, “You have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass.” This comment has really played into the fire, I think, of negative perceptions of disrespect coming from the US.
