Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A recent survey conducted by Greenland’s public broadcaster, Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa (KNR), reveals mixed reactions among Greenland residents to Donald Trump proposal to buy the territory.
While many Greenlanders remain loyal to the Kingdom of Denmark, citing concerns over cultural preservation and resource exploitation, others see potential benefits in aligning with the United States.
Concerns About Culture and Resources
According to a CNN report on Friday, January 10, several residents interviewed by KNR expressed their desire to remain part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Speaking to KNR, Jens Danielsen, a Greenland resident, expressed strong opposition to Trump’s interest in the territory, calling it “very dangerous.”
Danielsen fears that Greenland’s language and culture could be endangered due to the small population. “I worry that our language will quickly vanish if we lose our connection to Denmark,” he said, emphasizing Greenland’s positive relationship with its current governing country.
Danielsen also raised concerns about Trump’s potential motivations, suggesting the U.S. interest may stem from Greenland’s uranium reserves and other natural resources. “If his interest is purely about extracting raw materials, that’s deeply troubling,” he added.
Trump’s remarks earlier that week appeared to bolster these concerns. On January 8, he stated that Greenland could provide economic stability for the U.S., leading experts to speculate that his focus is on Greenland’s vast natural resources, including rare earth metals.
Support for Trump’s Proposal
Surprisingly, some residents see merit in Trump’s plan. Karen Kielsen, another Greenlander, noted the high cost of living in Greenland due to expensive imports from Denmark. “Everything here is becoming more expensive. Goods from Denmark are very costly, so aligning with the U.S. seems more appealing,” Kielsen said.
Similarly, student Imaakka Boassen expressed skepticism toward Denmark’s governance and suggested she might place more trust in Trump. “Maybe I would trust Trump more,” she remarked.
However, other residents, like Anguteq Larsen, envision a different future for Greenland. “I would prefer if Greenland became independent, without relying on Denmark or the U.S.,” Larsen told KNR.
Danish and Greenlandic Officials Respond
While residents debate the issue, officials in both Greenland and Denmark have largely dismissed Trump’s proposal. Earlier this week, Trump suggested that Denmark should relinquish Greenland to the U.S. or face steep import tariffs. He also considering the idea of using military force to acquire the island.
Read also : Trump Ambitions to Buy Greenland, What’s The Reason?
Despite Trump’s comments, Greenlandic officials have reiterated their commitment to Denmark and emphasized their goal of greater autonomy within the kingdom.
Trump’s proposal to purchase Greenland, first revealed in 2019, sparked widespread international debate and drew criticism from Danish leaders, who called the idea “absurd.” Greenland, with its strategic location and abundant natural resources, remains a geopolitical focal point, but its residents appear divided over how to navigate their future.
(Raidi/Agugng)
