He will not purchase us’: Greenlanders defy Trump’s ambition to take over their country.
Greenland, a remote Arctic island known for its stunning natural beauty and unique culture, has been thrust into the spotlight in recent weeks due to the ambitions of the outgoing President of the United States, Donald Trump. Trump has expressed his desire for the US to take over the autonomous Danish region, citing national security concerns as justification for his actions. However, the people of Greenland have made it clear that they are not for sale and will not be bought by Trump or anyone else.
Qupanuk Olsen, Greenland’s most prominent influencer, has been at the forefront of the opposition to Trump’s plans. With a massive following on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Olsen has used her platform to celebrate life on the Arctic island and showcase its unique food, culture, language, and customs. However, in recent weeks, her posts have taken on a more political tone as she has spoken out against Trump’s attempts to seize control of Greenland.
“I wasn’t initially worried about the US President-elect’s claims, but when I saw Donald Trump Jr.’s plane flying over the island, I knew this was something more than just empty rhetoric,” Olsen told Euronews. “But we are not for sale, and he will not buy us.”
Trump’s interest in Greenland is driven by the island’s vast reserves of crucial raw materials and rare earths, as well as its strategic location in the rapidly melting Arctic region. As the ice melts, new opportunities for commerce, energy, and transportation are opening up, prompting a scramble for control among geopolitical rivals.
Despite Trump’s efforts to portray the Greenlanders as supporters of his “Make America Great Again” slogan, many locals have expressed their displeasure at being used for political gain. Photos of Greenlanders wearing MAGA hats following a visit by Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., were widely circulated online, with reports suggesting that the hats were distributed to homeless individuals in exchange for a free meal.
“It saddened me to see people being manipulated by Trump, many of whom have no understanding of politics,” Olsen said. “I had never posted political content before, but with Trump’s recent statements and the questions I was receiving, I felt compelled to speak out.”
In a video responding to the political controversy, Olsen expressed her support for Greenland’s independence and called for stronger connections with Inuits in Canada and Alaska. Inuits make up approximately 90% of Greenland’s population and are part of a wider community that includes Inuit people from Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Chukotka in Russia.
Trump’s interest in Greenland has also raised concerns in Denmark, the country to which Greenland belongs. While some Greenlanders hope that Trump’s attention will prompt Denmark to recognize the island’s significance, others fear that the incoming US administration is trying to stir up trouble by bypassing Denmark in its dealings with Greenland.
Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has made it clear that Greenland must be allowed to determine its own path, while US Vice President-elect JD Vance has suggested that there may be a deal to be made with Greenland that benefits both parties.
Greenland has a complex history that dates back thousands of years, with its earliest residents arriving on the island over 4,500 years ago. Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953, when it became a self-governing territory. In 2009, Greenland was granted the authority to declare independence through a referendum, but gaining independence in practice will be a challenging process.
Greenland’s economy is heavily dependent on Denmark, which provides a significant portion of its budget through block grants. Fishing is a major source of revenue for Greenland, accounting for over 95% of its total exports in 2021. Efforts to diversify the economy, such as sustainable tourism and industry, have been complicated by factors like climate change and international disputes.
As Greenland navigates its path toward independence, the role of the international community, including the United States and the European Union, will be crucial. Greenlanders like Aaja Chemnitz, a member of Greenland’s parliament, believe that independence is achievable but will require careful navigation and strategic partnerships with countries like the US and Europe.
As the people of Greenland stand firm in their defiance of Trump’s ambitions, they are also grappling with the challenges and opportunities that come with asserting their independence and charting their own course in the world. With their unique culture, rich history, and stunning natural landscapes, the people of Greenland are determined to shape their own future and protect their land from outside interference.
