Trump has just named a special envoy to Greenland who openly says his goal is to make the territory part of the United States, even though Greenland is a self-governing Danish territory
When Mia Chemnitz says, “The people of Greenland do not want to become American. We are not for sale,” she isn’t making a political statement for effect. She’s voicing a deep, shared feeling across Greenland — one rooted in history, identity, and self-respect.
Over the past few hours, comments from the Trump administration about potentially buying Greenland — and even hinting at force — have triggered fear, anger, and indignation among Greenlanders both at home and abroad. For many, what once sounded abstract now feels uncomfortably real.
Why Trump’s Greenland Comments Hit a Nerve
Greenland may be sparsely populated — about 56,000 people on the world’s largest island — but it is far from insignificant. Strategically located between North America and the Arctic, Greenland has hosted US military bases since World War II and plays a critical role in missile early-warning systems.
Add to that Greenland’s rare earth minerals, becoming more accessible as ice melts due to climate change, and global interest is no surprise.
But for Greenlanders, strategic value does not equal consent.
“It’s not fun being 56,000 people and having these kinds of threats from a superpower,”
— Masaana Egede, Editor, Sermitsiaq
From Abstract Talk to Real Fear
Concerns escalated sharply after the US carried out an unprecedented military operation against Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro. Soon after, comments from figures close to the White House suggested Greenland could be “next.”
That’s when people like Tupaarnaq Kopeck, a Greenlander living in Canada, felt compelled to prepare for the unthinkable.
“For the first time, I told my sister in Greenland that if something ever happened, they’d have a place to stay with us.”
This sense of vulnerability has rippled through Greenlandic communities worldwide.
“A Clear Threat” to Sovereignty
Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. While Copenhagen controls defense and foreign policy, Greenlanders overwhelmingly support eventual independence — not a transfer of ownership from Denmark to the US.
Aaja Chemnitz, one of Greenland’s MPs in the Danish parliament, called the rhetoric “a clear threat” and “completely disrespectful” — especially between NATO allies.
European allies have since reiterated that Greenland’s future must be decided by its people, a reassurance many welcomed — though some worry words may not be backed by action.
Not a Simple Choice: US vs Denmark
Some voices, particularly in remote northern communities, point out a hard truth: Greenland is still grappling with colonial realities.
“It would just be switching from one occupier to another,”
— Aleqatsiaq Peary, Inuit hunter from Qaanaaq
For him, the real crisis isn’t geopolitics — it’s melting sea ice, disappearing livelihoods, and the daily struggle of Arctic communities affected by climate change.
This highlights a critical point many Greenlanders stress:
The choice is not Denmark or the US.
The choice is dignity, self-determination, and respect.
Open for Business, Not for Sale
Despite rising frustration, Greenlanders are clear: they are not anti-American.
Greenland already works closely with the US, hosts American bases, and even has direct flights to New York. Trade, cooperation, and investment are welcome.
What isn’t welcome is being talked about instead of talked with.
“Respect is about more than alliances on paper,” Tupaarnaq says.
“When powerful nations talk over you, that respect disappears.”
As Mia Chemnitz puts it simply and powerfully:
“We are not for sale — but we are open for business.”
#GreenlandNotForSale #GreenlandSovereignty #ArcticPolitics #NATODiplomacy #GreenlandIndependence