Nuuk, Greenland

Greenland finds itself at the center of a geopolitical debate, with U.S. President Donald Trump expressing a desire to “control” the island, even as its residents insist it is not for sale. Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, has drawn international attention for its strategic location and untapped natural resources.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to meet Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenland’s Minister Vivian Motzfeldt in Washington on Wednesday to discuss the Arctic island. Meanwhile, Greenlanders have voiced strong opposition to any U.S. takeover.

Tuuta Mikaelsen, a 22-year-old student in Nuuk, told The Associated Press she hoped the Americans would “back off.” Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen emphasized the island’s commitment to Denmark and NATO, stating, “If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose NATO.”

Trump dismissed the comments, stating, “I disagree with him. I don’t know who he is. I don’t know anything about him. But that’s going to be a big problem for him.”

Strategic Importance and Controversy

Greenland’s significance has grown as climate change melts ice, opening potential shorter trade routes to Asia and access to critical minerals used in technology. Trump has cited security concerns, claiming Russian and Chinese ships pose a threat. However, locals question these claims. Lars Vintner, a heating engineer, said he has never seen such ships, calling Trump’s statements “fantasy.” His friend Hans Norgaard agreed, suggesting that economic interests, rather than security, may be the real motivation.

Norgaard even filed a police complaint in Nuuk against what he described as “aggressive” U.S. behavior, citing threats to Greenlanders and NATO. Mikaelsen highlighted the benefits Greenland enjoys as part of Denmark, including free healthcare, education, and student support, expressing concern about losing these protections.

Diplomatic and Legislative Efforts

Ahead of Vance’s meeting, Greenland’s Minister for Business and Mineral Resources, Naaja Nathanielsen, called it “unfathomable” that the U.S. would consider taking over territory belonging to a NATO ally and urged Washington to listen to the voices of the island’s people.

Following the discussions in Washington, Danish and Greenlandic officials, along with Denmark’s ambassador to the U.S., are expected to meet members of the Arctic Caucus in Congress, hosted by Sen. Angus King. Bipartisan legislation has also been introduced by Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Lisa Murkowski to prevent any U.S. attempt to annex Greenland or other NATO member territories without consent.

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Last week, Denmark’s European allies issued a statement affirming Greenland belongs to its people and that decisions regarding the island should be made solely by Denmark and Greenland. France is also strengthening its diplomatic presence, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announcing plans to open a consulate in Greenland on February 6, following President Emmanuel Macron’s visit last summer.