NUUK, Greenland — A growing number of native Greenlanders are quietly embracing an idea once dismissed as absurd: breaking away from Denmark and forging stronger ties with the United States — or even becoming part of it. Despite the global ridicule that followed former President Donald Trump’s 2019 suggestion to buy Greenland, some locals are now reconsidering the possibility, seeing America as a path to economic prosperity and greater autonomy.
While many Greenlanders remain loyal to Denmark, a faction of pro-Trump supporters is gaining traction, pushing for a radical shift in the island’s geopolitical future. Fearful of backlash and even death threats, many of these advocates are speaking anonymously but remain steadfast in their belief that aligning with the U.S. could be the best path forward.
Discontent with Danish Rule
For centuries, Greenland has remained a Danish territory, but growing dissatisfaction with Copenhagen’s rule has fueled discussions about independence — or alternative alliances. Many Greenlanders argue that Denmark has failed to prioritize their economic development, leaving them dependent on subsidies and lacking key infrastructure investments.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, boasts abundant natural resources, including rare earth minerals and vast fishing waters, yet economic opportunities remain limited. Unemployment is a pressing issue, and many young Greenlanders leave for Denmark, never to return.
“We’ve been under Danish rule for centuries, and look where it has gotten us,” said one Greenlander, who requested anonymity due to fears of reprisal. “Denmark keeps us dependent, but the U.S. could help us grow. Trump understood that.”
Trump’s Greenland Proposal: A Joke or a Visionary Move?
When Trump floated the idea of purchasing Greenland in 2019, the world mocked the suggestion. Danish politicians dismissed it outright, calling it absurd and offensive. But some Greenlanders saw it differently. While not everyone supports outright annexation, the idea of forging closer economic and political ties with the U.S. has gained surprising momentum.
Supporters believe an American partnership could unlock Greenland’s vast economic potential, allowing it to benefit from U.S. investments, defense contracts, and trade agreements. Some even envision Greenland becoming the 51st state or a U.S. territory akin to Puerto Rico.
“We’re geographically and strategically important, and the U.S. knows that,” said another Greenlander. “They wouldn’t ignore us like Denmark does.”
Fear and Backlash: The Price of Supporting Trump
Despite the growing interest in U.S. ties, open support for Trump or the idea of American annexation remains controversial in Greenland. Some individuals advocating for a U.S. future have received threats, forcing them to keep their views private.
“The backlash is real,” said one pro-Trump Greenlander. “People assume we’re betraying our heritage, but all we want is a better future.”
For many, the American Dream is an appealing alternative to what they see as a stagnant existence under Danish rule. Trump’s signature slogan, “Make America Great Again,” has even been adapted into a local movement: “Make Greenland Great Again.”
Strategic Importance: Why the U.S. Wants Greenland
Greenland’s location in the Arctic makes it a strategic goldmine for global powers. The island sits at the heart of emerging Arctic trade routes and holds crucial military significance. The U.S. already has a major presence in Greenland through Thule Air Base, an essential part of America’s missile defense system.
With Arctic ice melting and opening new shipping lanes, Greenland’s value on the world stage is increasing. China and Russia have shown growing interest in the region, further fueling discussions about whether Greenland should seek stronger ties with a superpower like the U.S. rather than remaining under Danish control.
A Future with the U.S.?
While Greenland’s government remains committed to its current status, the undercurrent of pro-Trump sentiment signals a potential shift in the island’s political landscape. With Greenland’s independence movement already in motion, the next step could be deciding whether breaking away from Denmark means going it alone or seeking a new alliance with the United States.
For now, supporters of a U.S.-Greenland partnership remain in the shadows, wary of backlash but hopeful that their vision for the island’s future might one day become a reality. As one anonymous advocate put it, “Trump may not be in office anymore, but his idea still lives on. Maybe one day, America will take us in.”
