Trump’s Greenland Gambit Sparks Tension Across Icy Fjords
As dawn breaks over Nuuk Fjord’s snow-clad peaks, we traverse one of the last untamed landscapes on Earth. But even amid this pristine wilderness, a storm brews—not of weather, but of politics.
With Donald Trump preparing to step into the Oval Office, his provocative musings about acquiring Greenland, even hinting at force, are rippling through conversations across the island.
“He’s welcome to visit, but Greenland belongs to its people,” insists the captain of our fishing vessel, now repurposed for Arctic expeditions. He, like many here, prefers anonymity when discussing politics. But his sentiment resonates widely: Greenland is not for sale.
Our journey takes us to Kapisillit, a tiny settlement of just 40 residents, where hunters ready their boats to pursue seals. The air is biting, with temperatures plunging to -16°C (-27°C with wind chill). Nearby, Kaaleeraq Ringsted, a 73-year-old church elder, dries cod fillets beside his home.
When asked about Trump’s ambitions, Kaaleeraq chuckles briefly before his expression hardens. “This is our land. It’s not for sale,” he says, recounting how his family has hunted and fished here for generations. His wish is simple: to preserve this way of life for future generations.
A Land of Tradition and Resilience
Crossing icy waters, we reach Angutimmarik Hansen’s sheep farm, where survival hinges on ingenuity and imports from Denmark. Inside his home, a rack of hunting rifles catches the eye. He grins and quips, “These are for invasions,” but his disdain for Trump’s rhetoric is clear.
“What a ridiculous idea. Greenland is not a commodity,” Hansen declares. Yet, he’s quick to differentiate Trump from the broader American people. “We can work with the USA. Trump, though, is another matter.”
In Nuuk, the northernmost capital city in the world, Trump’s remarks have sparked a fresh conversation about Greenland’s identity and future. Donald Trump Jr.’s fleeting visit to the island, arriving on the family jet and staying less than five hours, added fuel to the fire. His remarks were polite but noncommittal, merely noting the warm reception from locals.
The Debate Over Independence
For many in Greenland, Trump’s comments have reignited discussions about independence from Denmark. Politician Kuno Fencker, a member of Greenland’s Foreign and Security Committee, sees this as an opportunity.
“Trump’s rhetoric is what it is, but we need to focus on direct negotiations between Greenland and the United States, not through Denmark,” Fencker argues. Independence, he acknowledges, comes with a price. Currently, Greenland relies on Danish subsidies, which amount to 20% of its GDP.
Still, Fencker and others envision a future where Greenland negotiates its own path, balancing partnerships with Denmark and the U.S. “We need sustainable economic growth and strong defense partnerships. Independence doesn’t mean isolation,” he asserts.
Healing Old Wounds
Independence isn’t the only issue on Greenlanders’ minds. Historical grievances, including the forced insertion of intrauterine devices into Inuit women during the 1960s and 70s, remain an open wound. The aim, then, was to reduce the island’s population—a dark chapter that many feel has never been fully addressed.
Maliina Abelsen, a former finance minister and prominent advocate for reconciliation, believes acknowledging these injustices is crucial for healing. “You can’t move forward without acknowledgment and healing,” she says.
Abelsen also highlights the pervasive racism Greenlanders face, noting that most Inuit have experienced derogatory remarks or jokes. “These issues are deeply intertwined with our fight for self-determination,” she explains.
A Future Decided by Greenlanders
Prime Minister Mute Egede captured the collective sentiment best when he declared, “We do not want to be Danish. We do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic.” His remarks underscore a widespread desire for Greenland to shape its own future.
As Trump’s controversial remarks draw global attention, Greenlanders from isolated fjords to bustling Nuuk echo a unified message: decisions about their land and destiny must rest with those who call it home.
