For many Greenlanders, the Trump administration’s repeated statements about wanting to take over the territory are “an expression of utter contempt,” according to Greenlandic film director Inuk Siris Hogue.
President Trump has reiterated his plans for Greenland in recent days, following his administration’s surprising move to remove the Venezuelan leader from power.
“People are a little worried, but right away on social media…many people were posting our flag and standing firm,” Hogue told CNN about Greenland’s response to President Trump’s comments.
When the Trump administration turned its attention last year to Greenland, a vast Arctic region ruled by Denmark, it sparked “one of the largest demonstrations” against the U.S. approach, Hugh said.
“Land cannot be owned by individuals in Greenland. It’s all shared ownership and can be rented out individually,” he explained. “So the way we look at real estate in our country becomes increasingly provocative for us.”
Similarly, Christian Kjeldsen, CEO of the Greenland Business Association, said that although the issue was “in the background for us”, it “frustrated people because it was unnecessary”.
Both Mr. Hague and Mr. Kjeldsen emphasized the close economic and strategic ties that already exist between Greenland and the United States, and acknowledged American investments and military bases in the region.
The issue cuts to the heart of Greenlandic politics, which has long been shaped by Denmark’s colonial legacy and questions about the region’s future independence.
“This is a huge boost for independence negotiations,” Hague said. “We were on an island far from the world and suddenly a bomb was dropped and we had to figure out what we wanted.”
