The US President's Threats Loom Over Greenland, But This Time It Feels Different
As the New Year began, Kalaallit – the indigenous people of Greenland – are facing a familiar yet unsettling reality. The US president has once again threatened to take control of the world's largest island, echoing his 2019 and 2024/25 assertions. However, this time around, it feels different.
The Trump administration appears to be laying down concrete plans for an annexation, with the US president stating that he wants to "take" Greenland "whether they like it or not." The only options on the table seem to be "the nice way or the more difficult way," leaving little room for interpretation. This is a clear threat against Indigenous land and self-governing territory – loud warnings against democracy, coming directly from the US president.
A diplomatic conversation took place in Washington DC, with foreign ministers from Greenland and Denmark, Vivian Motzfeldt and Lars Løkke Rasmussen, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attending. The meeting was also joined by US Vice-President JD Vance, who has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the EU and Denmark's efforts in the Arctic.
However, things took an unexpected turn when the Greenlandic and Danish foreign ministers emerged from their meeting, lit cigarettes each, and had a chat before returning to the Danish embassy. This brief moment of levity was noticed across the Kingdom of Denmark, adding to the sense of unease that has been building up.
Despite the White House's attempts to reassure the public, Trump's words continue to carry weight, sparking fear among Kalaallit people. Some are preparing for an invasion, while others are considering emigration. Yet, everyday life goes on in Greenland, a country under constant threat.
So why does the US president want Greenland so much? Is it about access to rare earth minerals or national security concerns? The truth is that there's speculation surrounding Trump's motivations, but one thing is certain – this move would be a significant blow to Indigenous rights and self-governance.
The irony lies in Trump's claim that ownership is "psychologically needed for success," because "ownership gives you things and elements that you can't get from just signing a document." It remains to be seen whether the US president will follow through on these threats, but one thing is clear: Greenlanders are not going to sell out their country without a fight.
The people of Greenland have long been vocal about their concerns regarding climate change. Now, they're facing another warning sign in the world order – and it's time for us to ask ourselves what comes next. How far should we be willing to go to keep an unpredictable ally content? Is this moment perhaps an opportunity for a critical self-reflection on colonial history?
As Greenlanders stand firm against the US president's threats, one thing is certain: Greenland is not for sale.
As the New Year began, Kalaallit – the indigenous people of Greenland – are facing a familiar yet unsettling reality. The US president has once again threatened to take control of the world's largest island, echoing his 2019 and 2024/25 assertions. However, this time around, it feels different.
The Trump administration appears to be laying down concrete plans for an annexation, with the US president stating that he wants to "take" Greenland "whether they like it or not." The only options on the table seem to be "the nice way or the more difficult way," leaving little room for interpretation. This is a clear threat against Indigenous land and self-governing territory – loud warnings against democracy, coming directly from the US president.
A diplomatic conversation took place in Washington DC, with foreign ministers from Greenland and Denmark, Vivian Motzfeldt and Lars Løkke Rasmussen, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attending. The meeting was also joined by US Vice-President JD Vance, who has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the EU and Denmark's efforts in the Arctic.
However, things took an unexpected turn when the Greenlandic and Danish foreign ministers emerged from their meeting, lit cigarettes each, and had a chat before returning to the Danish embassy. This brief moment of levity was noticed across the Kingdom of Denmark, adding to the sense of unease that has been building up.
Despite the White House's attempts to reassure the public, Trump's words continue to carry weight, sparking fear among Kalaallit people. Some are preparing for an invasion, while others are considering emigration. Yet, everyday life goes on in Greenland, a country under constant threat.
So why does the US president want Greenland so much? Is it about access to rare earth minerals or national security concerns? The truth is that there's speculation surrounding Trump's motivations, but one thing is certain – this move would be a significant blow to Indigenous rights and self-governance.
The irony lies in Trump's claim that ownership is "psychologically needed for success," because "ownership gives you things and elements that you can't get from just signing a document." It remains to be seen whether the US president will follow through on these threats, but one thing is clear: Greenlanders are not going to sell out their country without a fight.
The people of Greenland have long been vocal about their concerns regarding climate change. Now, they're facing another warning sign in the world order – and it's time for us to ask ourselves what comes next. How far should we be willing to go to keep an unpredictable ally content? Is this moment perhaps an opportunity for a critical self-reflection on colonial history?
As Greenlanders stand firm against the US president's threats, one thing is certain: Greenland is not for sale.