For over 150 years, U.S. officials have shown an enduring interest in acquiring Greenland, as noted by President Trump’s desire to “get” Greenland.
This notion first emerged in the 1860s and has resurfaced multiple times before and after both world wars. Presently, the situation appears ripe for discussion, as Greenlanders are actively reflecting on their difficult colonial past with Denmark, with many advocating for independence from Denmark, which still manages several key aspects of their governance.
However, it appears that President Trump may have miscalculated his strategy.
His recent announcement of sending a significant U.S. delegation to Greenland, seemingly without an invitation, is already causing backlash. The administration attempted to frame this visit as friendly, indicating that Usha Vance, the spouse of Vice President JD Vance, would participate in a dogsled race this week with one of her children, while Michael Waltz, the national security adviser, would inspect an American military installation.
Rather than endearing the U.S. to the 56,000 residents of Greenland, this approach, combined with Mr. Trump’s rhetoric about how he plans to “get it, one way or the other,” seems to be alienating Greenland even further.
In the last 24 hours, the Greenlandic government has shifted from a position of reticence to one of open criticism against Mr. Trump’s assertiveness. They have labeled his approach as “aggressive” and are seeking support from Europe. This proposed visit may inadvertently strengthen ties between Greenland, a vast ice-covered territory three times the size of Texas, and Denmark.
“This will likely produce the opposite effect of what the U.S. intends,” remarked Lars Trier Mogensen, a political analyst in Copenhagen. “This offensive maneuver is pushing Greenland further away from the United States, despite the fact that a year ago, all political factions in Greenland were eager to cultivate closer business ties with the Americans.”
His forecast? Greenlanders, he suggested, will gravitate towards maintaining their current status within the Kingdom of Denmark and its alliances.
The reaction to even the dogsled race has been lukewarm. Organizers of the event, the Avannaata Qimussersua, Greenland’s premier dogsled race, stated on Sunday regarding Ms. Vance and her son, “We did not extend an invitation,” but added that the event is public and “they are welcome to attend as spectators.”
The saga surrounding Greenland began during Mr. Trump’s initial term when he proposed purchasing the island from Denmark, citing its strategic location and significance; however, the idea never materialized. Surprisingly, Trump wasn’t the first American official to suggest such a concept.
Back in 1868, Secretary of State William Seward, shortly after acquiring Alaska, initiated a study on the possibility of acquiring Greenland, primarily due to its coal resources; however, the proposal did not progress. This idea was revived in 1910 and again in 1946, as U.S. officials recognized Greenland’s strategic importance, yet Denmark was unwilling to relinquish it each time.
A notable change in recent years has been Denmark’s control. Since 2009, Denmark has conferred self-rule upon Greenland, allowing the island to manage most of its domestic affairs aside from defense and foreign policy. A growing movement for full independence is also gaining momentum. This month, a closely monitored parliamentary election resulted in a split outcome: the leading party advocates for a gradual pursuit of independence, while the runner-up seeks a much swifter transition and includes a prominent pro-Trump member who attended the president’s inauguration.
This introduces another complication: the timing of the visit coincides with ongoing negotiations among Greenland’s parties about forming the next government.
“This is poor timing. We haven’t even established a new government yet. They should have postponed,” commented Jens Peter Lange, a dental technician in Ilulissat, a town located in the Arctic Circle.
However, he noted that it’s “not really disrespectful. I’d rather describe it as a lack of situational awareness.”
The visit has been planned for several weeks. Jørgen Boassen, a Greenlandic bricklayer and a vocal supporter of Mr. Trump, mentioned that he and Tom Dans, an American businessman who previously advised Mr. Trump on Arctic matters during his first term, played a role in organizing the trip.
“Instead of outright rejection, we should pursue cooperation with the Americans,” Mr. Boassen offered in an interview. “We cannot simply overlook the United States as a partner, whether it’s in trade or defense.”
“I think it’s absolutely fantastic that they’re coming,” he added. “It’s a tremendous boost for our Greenlandic sled dogs.”
