Greenlanders Fear U.S. Control: Independence at Stake?

Lisa Sólrun Christiansen wakes up at 4 a.m. every day to work on knitting warm, colorful sweaters inspired by traditional Inuit patterns. She loves Greenland, her home, and has a deep connection to it through her artist father, who designed the red-and-white flag. Lately, she feels stressed by the news about U.S. President Donald Trump and his interest in Greenland, making her morning peace hard to find.

More and more people in Greenland are anxious because they think their home is becoming part of a fight between the U.S., Russia, and China. They are particularly worried about Trump wanting to take control of Greenland, which has valuable minerals and is located in a key part of the Arctic. This could hurt their chances of becoming fully independent from Denmark.

Tensions have increased after Usha Vance, the Vice President’s wife, announced she would visit Greenland for a dog sled race. Local leaders are upset because they feel this visit shows U.S. power at a time when they need to build their own government. Outgoing Prime Minister Múte Boroup Egede emphasized that Greenland’s rights and democracy should be respected without foreign influence.

Greenland has been part of Denmark since 1721, but many people feel it is time to create its independence, although opinions differ on how and when this should happen. They do not want to exchange Denmark for American control.

Experts believe Trump should have cooperated with Denmark, but instead, he has upset the relationship. This situation has sparked pride among Greenlanders and a stronger sense of identity. They feel they should control their own future and not be pushed around by Washington.

Greenland’s path to independence was supported by the 2009 Greenland Self-Government Act, allowing them to choose their future. The U.S. has a military presence in Greenland, and while it has welcomed Americans for years, the locals now fear they may become vulnerable instead of gaining independence.

While some in Greenland appreciate the U.S. and want to be allies, they still want their own country. Jørgen Boassen, who supports Trump, thinks the U.S. should help Greenland become self-sufficient, similar to how the Marshall Islands work with the U.S. after gaining independence.

As things change, most people in Greenland agree that their future should be decided by them, not by any foreign leader.