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As dawn breaks over the ice-covered peaks of Nuuk fjord, we journey through one of the world’s last untouched wildernesses. Yet, even amid Greenland’s serene beauty, unsettling questions are arising.
Donald Trump’s impending presidency, marked by his controversial statements about potentially acquiring Greenland by force, has sparked widespread conversations across the island.
“He’s welcome to visit, no problem,” remarks the skipper of a fishing vessel navigating these frozen waters. Opting for anonymity, he echoes a sentiment widely shared here:
“Greenland belongs to Greenlanders. Trump can visit, but that’s where it ends.”
In the tiny settlement of Kapisillit, home to about 40 residents, hunters prepare for their seal hunts in frigid temperatures that feel like -27°C (-16°F without wind chill).
Local elder Kaaleeraq Ringsted, 73, a proud great-grandfather, dries cod fillets outside his home. When asked about Trump’s remarks, his initial chuckle gives way to a serious tone.
“It’s not acceptable to say such things. Greenland is not for sale,” he asserts, sharing memories of learning to fish and hunt from his father and grandfather—a legacy he wishes to preserve for future generations.
As we traverse the fjord, our boat breaks through surface ice, passing eagles perched on rocks. We arrive at the farm of Angutimmarik Hansen, who raises sheep while hunting seals and rabbits to sustain his livelihood.
Inside, hunting rifles hang by the door. “Those are in case of an invasion,” he jokes, though his disapproval of Trump’s rhetoric is clear.
“Trump is foolish. Greenland will never be sold,” he declares.
The arrival of Donald Trump Jr. in Nuuk added to the tensions. Flying in on the family’s jet, “Trump Force One,” he stayed briefly, offering polite remarks and meeting locals.
“It’s been great to meet people,” he commented before returning to Florida.
Greenlandic businessman Jorgen Boassen, a former Trump campaign supporter, welcomed Trump Jr., describing himself as the president-elect’s “biggest fan.” He expressed hope for stronger trade ties between Greenland and the U.S.
Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, the world’s northernmost capital, boasts a vibrant civil society and an active press. Trump’s comments have inadvertently brought Greenland’s independence debate into sharper focus.
Campaigners like MP Kuno Fencker argue that Greenland, as a sovereign state, should negotiate directly with nations like the U.S., rather than relying on Denmark. While independence could bring financial challenges, Fencker believes partnerships with the U.S. and Denmark could ensure sustainable growth.
Prime Minister Mute Egede underscored Greenland’s desire for self-determination, stating, “We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American, we want to be Greenlandic.”
Yet, memories of injustice linger, including the controversial insertion of IUDs into Inuit women during the 1960s and 70s, a policy aimed at curbing population growth.
Maliina Abelsen, a former finance minister and consultant, stresses the need for Denmark and Greenland to address these historical wrongs collaboratively. “You cannot move forward without healing and acknowledgment,” she explains.
As Trump’s remarks cast Greenland into the global spotlight, one message resonates clearly across its fjords and towns: Greenland’s future must be determined by its people.
