Orla Joelsen wishes to “Make Greenland Great Again,” but believes that breaking away from Denmark and being taken over by a superpower is not the solution.

However, Trump’s recent emphasis on this idea, combined with his implication of potential military action, has left Greenlanders pondering if this is all a joke or something serious. Their feelings range from confusion to worry, anticipation, and excitement.

“It has shocked us,” said Joelsen, who works as a prison official in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. “We need to discuss Greenland’s independence from Denmark, but not like this.” Joelsen’s role falls under the Danish justice system, though he noted he was speaking personally.

Strangely amusing. Then a large airplane with Trump’s name arrived.

Christian Ulloriaq Jeppesen, a radio producer from Nuuk now residing in Denmark, said that when Trump first suggested purchasing Greenland in 2019, he and his family found it somewhat humorous and ridiculous.

“Then suddenly, we saw a large airplane with Trump’s name on it landing in Nuuk, and people were wearing MAGA hats. The situation became all too real,” he explained via phone from Copenhagen. Trump’s oldest son visited Nuuk recently to hand out red caps, film a documentary, and interact with local residents.

“I think some Greenlanders feel uneasy and nervous about this situation,” Jeppesen added. “It’s also kind of a joke, but it feels strange. Personally, I’m quite upset that anyone thinks they can just buy a country.”

What does Trump wanting Greenland mean?

So what’s the reality? Is this a staged joke or a legitimate concern? Why is Trump so interested in acquiring a territory that has been a part of Danish sovereignty since 1830? How concerned are Greenlanders and Danes about the potential, whether real or imagined, of Trump’s threats to buy Greenland?

Aaja Chemnitz, one of two lawmakers from Greenland representing the island’s 57,000 residents in Denmark’s parliament, spoke on the matter. As an autonomous territory of Denmark, Greenland maintains its own legislature, the Inatsisartut, with 31 members that manage various local issues. However, Denmark retains responsibility for the island’s defense, national security, and economic policies.

On Thursday night, Chemnitz attended what she called an urgent “crisis meeting” in Copenhagen involving party leaders from all across the Danish political landscape, particularly discussing Trump’s proposal. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, visited the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and King Frederik X on Wednesday.

“Some Greenlanders are somewhat startled by the sudden global interest in our situation,” Chemnitz noted in a Friday phone interview. “It’s crucial for Greenland and Denmark to maintain close communication right now. We must remain calm and contemplate how to make wise choices. This isn’t just about whether we will be Danish or American citizens; it’s about how we can establish a positive future for Greenlanders.”

The vast majority of Greenland’s population is Inuit, an indigenous group that also inhabits regions in Alaska and Canada. The Greenlandic language is significantly different from Danish. Ulrik Pram Gad, a researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies in Copenhagen, noted that the culture and traditions of Greenland are distinct from those of Denmark and broader western Europe. However, many modern Greenlanders have connections to Danes through marriage or familial ties, and some travel to Denmark for education, work, or holidays. Most value the Danish welfare system, which offers free education and healthcare.

Despite this, Gad noted that over many years of polling, a majority of Greenlanders have expressed a desire for independence from Denmark. This feeling stems from a troubling colonial history and ongoing issues of discrimination. Nevertheless, there are differing opinions on when to pursue independence and worries about how it might affect daily life.

The push for independence has gained momentum particularly after it was revealed that Danish medical professionals, during the 1960s and 70s, fitted many Inuit women and girls with contraceptives without their consent as part of a forced birth control initiative. Additionally, in the 1950s, Inuit children were taken from their families for a social experiment meant to “re-educate” them into becoming “model” Danes.

“Today, Greenlanders still feel that they are treated unequally and not on their own terms,” said Gad, who previously worked for Greenland’s government in Nuuk before dedicating himself entirely to research.

“The Danish system seems like a system imposed from abroad, with Danish regulations and conditions that do not fit our culture.”

Greenlanders are not interested in becoming Americans or Danes

In a speech given on New Year’s, Greenland’s leader Egede stated that it is “time for us to take control and define our future, including our partnerships and trade relations.”

He pointed out that Greenland’s “historical context and our current situation” demonstrate that the relationship with Denmark has not achieved true equality. “It is time for us to advance,” he urged.

However, there is uncertainty about whether most Greenlanders view their next steps as aligning with Trump’s plans.

Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa, Greenland’s national broadcaster, recently surveyed residents in Nuuk regarding Trump’s interest in possibly buying Greenland. The poll revealed a few residents, like Karen Kielsen and Imaakka Boassen, who expressed curiosity about becoming part of the U.S.

“The U.S. is appealing. Everything here keeps getting more expensive,” stated Kielsen, described as a cleaning assistant. Boassen, a student, mentioned not fully trusting the Danes and speculated that he could have more confidence in Trump.

Boassen voiced concerns about job opportunities. “There are so many Danes in leadership roles in Greenland, but in our country, we should have Greenlanders in charge,” he argued.

Conversely, others labeled Trump as “dangerous” and expressed concern about whether he truly cares for Greenland’s well-being. “We are very few people here,” Jens Danielsen commented. “I worry that our language may vanish quickly under U.S. influence, so I would prefer to remain with Denmark.” He suggested that Trump’s primary interest in Greenland might be to access its uranium and other natural resources.

Nevertheless, Gad, the researcher, pointed out that if Trump’s aim in wanting to buy Greenland is to extract minerals from it, there is no need to purchase it for that reason. He explained that it is companies, rather than governments, that carry out resource extraction, and Greenland’s authorities have been open to invitations from American, Canadian, Australian, and even Chinese firms wishing to explore or manage mines there, although such partnerships have not materialized yet. A decade ago, an attempt by Chinese investors almost succeeded before falling through.

“All that is required is for a company to apply for a license,” Gad elaborated.

In a recent discussion, John Bolton, who served as national security advisor during Trump’s first term, mentioned that controlling Greenland would enable the U.S. to better safeguard its regional interests, particularly vital shipping routes, against the ambitions of Russia and China.

Opposition Conservative Member of Parliament, Jarlov, expressed skepticism about the reasons stated by Trump and his associates for wanting to acquire Greenland, citing resources and national security. He emphasized, “Trump needs to recognize that he has no valid claim to Greenland, and he should respect the distinction between ‘yours’ and ‘mine,'” during a phone interview.

Regarding military considerations, Jarlov noted, “There are no significant military threats facing Greenland. Neither Russia nor China has ambitions to claim it. The only real danger comes from the United States itself.” He pointed out that Denmark has a defense pact with the U.S., and there used to be a larger American military presence in Greenland, with around 10,000 troops stationed at various bases along the coast.

Currently, the Pituffik Space Base, previously known as Thule Air Base, serves as one of the most isolated U.S. military posts globally. Located on permafrost in Greenland’s extreme north, it accommodates roughly 200 military personnel.

Jarlov added, “The U.S. voluntarily reduced its military presence in Greenland. If they decide to increase their presence again, we are open to that possibility.”

During a joint press conference in Copenhagen with Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen, Greenland’s leader Egede remarked that he had not communicated with Trump and called for recognition of Greenland’s desire for independence. He highlighted that Greenlanders do not wish to be part of the U.S. or Denmark.

‘Come buy us! Get Greenland!’

In Nuuk, prison official Joelsen expressed his support for Greenland’s independence, advocating for the ability to form economic and diplomatic partnerships independently of Danish policymakers. “Being part of the USA? No, absolutely not,” he declared. “I’m not familiar with the culture there.”

Jeppesen, a radio producer, shared his experiences after moving to Copenhagen from Greenland in 2017, stating he faced considerable discrimination and often felt like a target of racist humor linked to stereotypes about Greenlanders and alcohol. He noted his attempts to raise awareness among Danes about these issues, calling it a “challenging struggle.” At 28, Jeppesen hopes to eventually return to Greenland after establishing his career.

“There are many issues between Greenland and Denmark, but I see no advantages to becoming part of the U.S.,” he concluded.

Conversely, Timmy Zeeb, a Greenlander known for dubious reasons in Nuuk, expressed a different view. Jeppesen and several Danish media outlets highlighted Zeeb as a local drug dealer with numerous offenses, some violent, spanning many years.

Trump shared a video featuring Zeeb on his Truth Social platform, claiming he heard from his son in Nuuk that “the people of Greenland are ‘MAGA'” and suggesting that “Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will thrive if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation.”

With his bushy beard and stout appearance, Zeeb stumbled upon members of Donald Trump Jr.’s team in Nuuk just after exiting a store. They adorned him with a MAGA hat, shoved a camera in front of him, and began recording.

In a 30-second video, he exclaimed, “Come buy us! Get Greenland!” addressing the president-elect directly.

Continuing, Zeeb commented, “I love America, but people over there are too overweight,” before playfully sticking out his tongue and laughing. Later, he told Denmark’s state broadcaster that everyone, including those with a criminal record, has a right to voice their opinions.