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Greenlanders voice strong opposition to US ownership proposals
Residents of Greenland have expressed outrage and concern following reports that the Trump administration has discussed purchasing the Danish territory, with some officials even suggesting a potential military takeover. Interviews with locals, politicians, and analysts reveal deep unease over what they describe as a disregard for Greenlandic sovereignty.
Public sentiment: Fear and defiance
Mia Chemnitz, a 32-year-old business owner in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, told the BBC the idea of becoming American was unthinkable. "We are not for sale," she stated. Her reaction mirrors that of many Greenlanders, who view recent US rhetoric as both threatening and demeaning.
Tupaarnaq Kopeck, a 40-year-old Greenlander living in Canada, said the discussion shifted from theoretical to alarming after the US detained Venezuela's president in a military operation. "That's when it stopped feeling abstract," she said, adding that she had reassured her sister in Greenland of a safe haven if needed.
"It's completely disrespectful from the US side to not rule out annexing our country and to annex another Nato ally."
Aaja Chemnitz, Greenlandic MP in the Danish parliament
Strategic value fuels US interest
Greenland's location between North America and the Arctic has long made it a strategic asset. The US has maintained a military presence on the island since World War II, using it for early warning systems against missile threats. More recently, melting ice has heightened interest in Greenland's rare earth minerals and other natural resources.
Masaana Egede, editor of the Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq, described the situation as unsettling for the territory's 56,000 residents. "The citizens of Greenland are nervous about this, because this is not something that we take lightly," she said.
Geopolitical fallout and alliances
Experts warn that a US military takeover of Greenland would destabilize NATO, though they acknowledge it would face little resistance. In response to the White House's comments, six European allies issued statements affirming that Greenland's future should be decided by its people. Mia Chemnitz welcomed the support but questioned its weight without concrete action.
"As a Greenlander, I can't help but wonder: what are we worth to these allies? To what lengths are they willing to go to protect us?"
Mia Chemnitz, Nuuk resident
Tupaarnaq Kopeck added that respect is eroded when powerful nations discuss smaller territories without consultation. "When powerful nations talk about you instead of with you, that respect disappears very quickly," she said.
Independence vs. new colonialism
While Greenlanders broadly support eventual independence from Denmark, they overwhelmingly reject US ownership. The territory is largely self-governing, though Denmark retains control over foreign affairs and defense.
Aleqatsiaq Peary, a 42-year-old Inuit hunter in Qaanaaq, dismissed the US proposal as replacing one colonizer with another. "We are a colony under Denmark. We are already losing a lot from being under the Danish government," he said. However, he expressed greater concern over climate change's impact on traditional hunting, saying, "I don't have time for Trump. Our people are in need."
Masaana Egede criticized the framing of Greenland's options as a binary choice between Denmark and the US. "That is not the choice that the Greenlandic people want," she emphasized.
Economic ties and defiance
Christian Keldsen of the Greenland Business Association noted that the US rhetoric has strained relations despite Greenland's openness to business. "Greenlanders are welcoming and open-hearted, it's the best thing about the country. But now with this, some people are scared," he said.
Mia Chemnitz reiterated Greenland's stance: "We are a well-functioning democracy and our government has a strong mandate. We are a NATO ally and the US has had military bases in Greenland for over 70 years. As it has been stated from Greenland before: we are not for sale, but we're open for business."
