Trump‘s Remark Rattles the Arctic: Grønlanders React to His Declarations
Trump’s latest comments on Grønland have sparked strong reactions on the Arctic island. The US President recently asserted that he wouldn’t rule out using "military force" or "economic hardship" to secure control over the territory. Here’s how some Greenlandic residents are responding to his statements.
Native Greenlander Rejects Trump’s Comments
Lasse Kyed, a 32-year-old local from Grønland’s capital, Nuuk, dismisses Trump’s remarks as laughable and scary. "The vast majority of people I know share the same sentiment," he tells VG.
Kyed, who works as a market manager for Nuuk Water Taxi – the city’s largest tour operator – emphasizes that Greenland is not for sale. He argues that while challenges persist on the island, independence is the preferred path.
"We would like to govern our own land. We’re in dialogue with the Danes about this," Kyed says, adding that he and his partner would consider moving to Norway if Greenland were to be annexed by the US.
FactBox: Greenland in a Nutshell
- Greenland is a self-governing territory and part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
- Its internal affairs are mostly self-governed, but foreign and security policies, as well as monetary matters, fall under Danish jurisdiction.
- Greenland is a member of NATO but not the EU. The US maintains a military base in the country.
- The largest island in the world, Greenland is 5.7 times bigger than mainland Norway and has a population of 57,000. About 81% of it is covered by ice year-round.
Another Local’s Perspective
Qiterak Eugenius, a 34-year-old Nuuk resident, hopes Trump’s comments will foster more mutual respect between Greenlanders and Danes, as well as stronger political and economic ties between the two nations.
"It would be nice if there could be more respect and cooperation from the Danish side," he says. Eugenius notes that Greenland is a socialist society with Danish values and that its residents enjoy good public services, including healthcare and social benefits.
Keli Olsen: Mixed Feelings
Keli Olsen, a 34-year-old restaurant worker from Ilulissat, north Greenland, shares mixed feelings about Trump’s remarks. While he worries about the implications, he also finds it intriguing that Greenland is suddenly in the global spotlight.
"Many people here are scared, but I also think it’s exciting that Greenland is being discussed worldwide," Olsen tells VG. He believes that Trump’s interest could bring new opportunities to the territory but maintains that Greenland should remain self-governing.
The Greenlandic government and Danish authorities have held a crisis meeting to discuss the situation. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen acknowledged that the country is grappling with an unprecedented situation.
Recent Visits to Greenland
In recent days, both Donald Trump Jr. and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have visited Greenland, adding to the ongoing conversation about the island’s future.
The VG’s latest articles on this topic:
- Ni av ti danskere ønsker ikke at USA skal overtake Grønland
- Trump jr. på Grønland: Landet i Nuuk i privatfly
