A recent poll reveals that 85% of Greenland’s population opposes becoming part of the United States, despite President Donald Trump's renewed interest in purchasing the Arctic territory.
The survey, conducted by UK-based polling firm Verian for Greenland’s Sermitsiaq newspaper and Danish outlet Berlingske, found that only 6% of Greenlanders support joining the U.S., while 9% remain undecided.
The poll, conducted between January 22 and January 27, included 497 Greenlandic adults. The results come as President Trump continues to express confidence that the U.S. will eventually acquire Greenland, stating on January 25 that he believes "Greenlanders want to be with America."
However, in a January 15 phone call, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen firmly told Trump that "Greenland is not for sale."
On January 28, Frederiksen reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to maintaining international borders, following meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
"I am pleased that this survey shows many Greenlanders want to maintain close cooperation with Denmark," Frederiksen told Berlingske, adding that the relationship may evolve over time but should remain mutually beneficial.
Denmark Moves to Counter Trump’s Greenland Push
The Danish government has been working to bolster European support to prevent Trump from pressuring Greenland into a deal—whether through economic leverage or military coercion.
On January 27, Denmark announced a $2.04 billion (14.6 billion crown) plan to increase its military presence in the Arctic, a move widely seen as a direct response to Trump’s Greenland ambitions.
Greenland, the world's largest island, has a population of 57,000 and was granted autonomy in 2009, including the right to declare independence via referendum.
Greenland’s Leadership Firm on Independence, Rejects U.S. Takeover
Mute Egede, the Prime Minister of Greenland, has been a vocal advocate for eventual independence from Denmark and has repeatedly stated that Greenland is not for sale.
"We don’t want to be Danish, and we don’t want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic," Egede said earlier this month.
While Egede is eager to hold a referendum on independence, many Greenlanders are hesitant, fearing that breaking away from Denmark would mean losing financial aid and free healthcare.
Trump’s Greenland Obsession Resurfaces
Trump previously attempted to buy Greenland during his first term in 2019, calling U.S. control over the island "essential" for global security.
Greenland’s strategic location—situated on the shortest route between North America and Europe—makes it a highly valuable military and economic asset.
(Sources: Reuters, Politico)
