Nuuk, January 11, 2026 — The people of Greenland have delivered a clear message to former U.S. President Donald Trump: their land is not for sale. On the streets of Nuuk, the capital, residents have dismissed Trump’s proposal to annex Greenland into the United States, even with the promise of financial incentives.
“He’s insane, absolutely insane,” remarked Ruth Søholm, a 65-year-old retail worker in Nuuk. “We don’t belong to America. We are Inuit. We don’t want to be Americans.”
This sentiment reflects a broader resistance among Greenlanders to Trump’s ambitions. Despite facing objections from European leaders and speculation about potential forceful measures, Trump has persisted in his efforts to acquire the vast Arctic territory.
Trump’s Persistent Pursuit
The former president’s determination to bring Greenland under U.S. control has been met with widespread derision in Nuuk. A group of local boys expressed their disdain succinctly: “We hate Trump.” Such reactions underscore the deep-seated opposition to Trump’s plans.
Trump has argued that acquiring Greenland is a strategic necessity to prevent Russian or Chinese influence in the region. “We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not,” he stated, emphasizing the geopolitical stakes.
White House officials have reportedly discussed offering up to $100,000 in cash to each of Greenland’s 57,000 residents to secure the deal. However, this financial incentive has not swayed public opinion in Greenland.
A Historical Context
The idea of the U.S. acquiring Greenland is not unprecedented. The United States first considered purchasing Greenland from Denmark in 1867 and made a secret offer in 1946. Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland has turned this historical footnote into a contemporary geopolitical issue.
“Essentially, it’s a large real estate deal,” Trump once remarked, highlighting the commercial allure of Greenland’s critical minerals and strategic location.
Adding Greenland to the U.S. would expand American territory by 2.16 million square kilometers, surpassing the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. However, such territorial expansions in history often disregarded the will of indigenous populations, a fact not lost on Greenlanders today.
Greenland’s Firm Stance
When surveyed last year, 85% of Greenlanders opposed joining the United States, with only 6% in favor. This overwhelming opposition is echoed by both Danish and Greenlandic leaders, who have publicly rejected Trump’s ambitions.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen have both repudiated Trump’s plans, aligning with the popular will of their constituents.
Future Implications
Despite ongoing discussions, including a scheduled meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, there is little indication that these talks will result in American control of Greenland.
Greenlanders remain adamant that their future should be determined by their own people. “We’re trying to be independent,” said Susan Bech, a Nuuk resident. “I hope we’ll be independent one day.”
In a rare show of unity, Greenland’s five political parties issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to cooperation with the U.S. and Western nations, while demanding respect for their sovereignty. “We will not be Americans, we will not be Danes, we are Greenlanders,” they declared.
The steadfast resistance from Greenlanders suggests that financial offers alone will not suffice to change their minds. As talks continue, the world watches to see how this geopolitical saga will unfold.
