Trump clearly has Greenland’s population spooked.
In a stunning political shift, Greenland’s center-right Demokraatit party emerged victorious in the country’s parliamentary elections, displacing Prime Minister Múte Egede’s Inuit Ataqatigiit party from power. The question of independence from Denmark, especially amid President Donald Trump’s repeated remarks about U.S. interest in Greenland, became a major focus of the election.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of Demokraatit, emphasized that the people of Greenland were seeking change, particularly a stronger business sector to support the country’s welfare. However, Nielsen made it clear that while Greenland desires greater autonomy, it is not seeking immediate independence. Instead, he advocated for a separation from Denmark that would be built on a solid foundation, ensuring a prosperous future for the island.
Four out of the five leading parties in Greenland, including Demokraatit and Naleraq, support independence from Denmark, though they differ on how quickly this should happen. Greenland, home to roughly 57,000 people, currently functions as a semi-autonomous territory under Denmark’s sovereignty. But Trump’s renewed interest in the island reignited discussions about Greenland’s potential separation from Denmark.
Despite the electoral loss, Prime Minister Egede respected the results and expressed readiness for negotiations. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen also congratulated Demokraatit, noting the intense pressure Greenland will face due to Trump’s ongoing attention. He stated that Greenland’s future would be shaped by the will of its people and government.
Demokraatit experienced a significant surge in support, securing almost 30% of the vote compared to just 9% in the 2021 elections. This shift reflects growing enthusiasm for change and greater autonomy.
In a joint session of Congress earlier this month, President Trump reiterated his stance on Greenland. “We strongly support your right to determine your own future, and, if you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America,” Trump declared. He further argued that Greenland’s strategic importance to U.S. national security made it an essential part of American interests.
Trump’s interest in Greenland dates back to his first term, where tensions arose with Danish leadership. In 2019, after Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed the idea of the U.S. purchasing Greenland as “absurd,” Trump canceled a planned visit to Denmark.
As the political landscape in Greenland shifts, the conversation surrounding its independence, and its relationship with the U.S., will only continue to grow. The question remains: will Greenland choose to embrace full autonomy or move toward a closer relationship with the United States?
