Recent polling suggests changing sentiments among the Danish population, with nearly half identifying the United States as a significant threat to their country. This shift is largely attributed to the controversial interest expressed by former President Donald Trump in purchasing Greenland, the semi-autonomous territory integral to Denmark.
A survey conducted by YouGov between January 15 and 22, 2025, indicated 46 percent of Danes perceive the US as either ‘a very big threat’ or ‘a fairly big threat’, exceeding the percentages who regard North Korea (44 percent) or Iran (40 percent) likewise threatening. The heightened alarm stems from Trump’s repeated assertions about acquiring Greenland—a move he framed as necessary for ‘economic security’.
Trump, who had broached the subject of buying Greenland as early as 2019, characterized the potential transaction as ‘essentially a big real estate deal’. More recently, during diplomatic interactions, he has depicted the acquisition as vitally important to American interests, citing the territory’s abundant resources, including oil, gas, and rare materials for green technologies.
According to Gabriela Beck from the Guardian, the topic of Trump’s Greenland interest sparked considerable debate and concern, as survey findings reveal 78 percent of Danes oppose the idea of the territory being sold to the US. Meanwhile, 85 percent of Greenlanders expressed their desire to maintain autonomy, underscoring local sentiments against being absorbed under US control.
Highlighting the unease surrounding Trump’s efforts, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has been proactive on the diplomatic front, recently visiting major European capitals to garner support against potential US encroachment on Greenland. She emphasized the importance of a unified European response, stating, “I want to assure all of Europe stands together, not only concerning the kingdom of Denmark but also more broadly.”
The discord intensified following Trump’s November 2024 strained phone call with Frederiksen, where the US leader pressured her about relinquishing control of Greenland. Senior European officials described the conversation as ‘dangerous’ and potentially ‘very problematic’, raising alarms within the region about future relations with the US.
Trump’s political narrative has distorted perceptions of Greenland’s standing, claiming, “I think the people want to be with us… it would be very unfriendly if they didn’t allow this to happen for the protection of the free world.” This rhetoric has unsettled many both within Denmark and Greenland, as citizens largely see Trump’s approach as both aggressive and speculative.
Compounding these apprehensions is the broader geopolitical contest for influence over the Arctic, where access to resources and new shipping routes is becoming increasingly important due to climate change. Both Russia and China have intensified their military and economic activities, reflecting the strategic value of Greenland not just to the US but also on the world stage.
Notably, Greenland, with its population of around 56,000, maintains significant interest from global powers due to its location and vast resources. The island’s autonomy has long been protected by Denmark, which oversees its defense and foreign affairs—something the US approach threatens to undermine.
The future of Greenland remains uncertain as the local populace grapples with the realities of independent governance and external pressures. The prevailing sentiment among Greenlanders is clear; they overwhelmingly prefer their autonomy, with 85 percent rejecting the prospect of becoming part of the US.
Dark clouds currently hover over US-Danish relations, particularly as Trump’s acquisition narrative clashes with both the autonomy of Greenland and the principles governing Danish sovereignty. Denmark’s proactive stance for safeguarding Greenland’s interests will continue to shape discussions around national and international policies going forward.
These developments have prompted introspection within Denmark about the nature of its alliance with the US and the future of its territories. With mounting concerns over American expansionist rhetoric, the Danish government faces the challenge of balancing diplomatic relations with the need to protect its autonomy and interests.