Greenlanders Show Mostly Confusion and Anxiety
Dreamed of Independence but Fear Losing Autonomy
Meanwhile, Some Favor Cooperation: "Must Ally with Great Powers"
Following U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's strong expression of intent to purchase Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory, tensions have been rising locally as his eldest son, Trump Jr., also visited Greenland in person. While Greenland residents generally expressed concerns, there are mixed reactions, with some saying they 'trust President-elect Trump.'
The New York Times (NYT) recently reported that "after President-elect Trump revealed his intention to buy Greenland, the residents were engulfed in confusion and anxiety." Newsweek interviewed key figures in Greenland, and CNN also relayed voices of residents interviewed by Greenland's public broadcaster KNR.
Greenland, the world's largest island, is about 9.7 times the size of the Korean Peninsula and is home to 56,000 people. Greenland is currently a Danish autonomous territory but holds self-governance except in foreign affairs and military matters. Most residents are Inuit indigenous people, not of European descent, and primarily speak Greenlandic. Danish was once an official language but was removed in 2009 as Greenland emphasized its identity.
Jens Danielsen, a resident of Greenland, said, "I see President-elect Trump's interest in Greenland itself as very dangerous," adding, "With a population of less than 100,000, I fear the language will disappear rapidly." He expressed particular concern about the U.S. interest in Greenland's resources and stated, "Since Denmark and Greenland currently maintain an appropriate relationship, I hope Greenland retains its status as a Danish autonomous territory."
Another Greenland native, radio PD Kristian Uloriak Jeppesen, told the NYT that when President Trump first mentioned buying Greenland in 2019, everyone took it as a joke. He said, "Clearly, everyone misjudged at that time. Look at the situation now," adding, "Everything is happening frighteningly fast."
Jeppesen continued, "Greenland is not just a large piece of land but a nation and a homeland to someone. I feel immense pride in being one of the 56,000 residents," firmly stating, "It is not just real estate to be easily bought but a nation fighting for independence."
Within Greenland, there are also voices of concern that if it becomes part of the U.S., various benefits they have enjoyed so far might disappear. Currently, as a Danish autonomous territory, Greenland falls under Denmark's welfare system. Aviaaja Sandgren, a nurse living in the small town of Qaqortoq in Greenland, said, "We receive free education and healthcare. Everything in Greenland is free," adding, "I know the U.S. does not have such things. We would lose many benefits."
On the 7th (local time), Greenland residents wearing MAGA hats in Greenland visited by Donald Trump Jr. Photo by EPA Yonhap News
However, some residents have expressed positive views toward President-elect Trump's purchase intention, citing resentment toward Denmark's long rule and the need for change toward independence. Foreign media reported that when Trump Jr. arrived in Greenland, some residents wore hats bearing President-elect Trump's slogan, 'Make America Great Again (MAGA).'
Karen Kilson, who works as a cleaning assistant in Greenland, told KNR, "Danish products are expensive, so everything is getting more costly. The U.S. naturally looks more attractive." Imaka Boasen, a student in Greenland, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the fact that regional community leadership positions are held by Danes, saying, "I cannot trust the Danes. I trust President-elect Trump more." Another resident, Jens Osterman, told a foreign media outlet, "Greenland is a wealthy country with everything, so it must cooperate with a great power."
Aki Matilda Hoegh-Dam, a member of the Danish Parliament representing Greenland (Social Democratic Siumut Party), stated that opinions among Greenland residents are divided regarding the nation's future. She said, "Our ultimate goal is to become an independent country free from colonization or coercion and exercise international self-determination," emphasizing the need to pursue a partnership based on mutual respect and common goals and to establish strong ties with the United States.
Meanwhile, Greenland was under Danish rule for 300 years and was incorporated as part of Denmark in 1953. However, through a referendum in November 2008 and the 2009 Self-Government Act, Greenland has applied self-governance to all policy decisions except foreign affairs and defense.
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