Poll reveals what Greenland really thinks about Donald Trump's takeover plans
Poll reveals what Greenland really thinks about Donald Trump's takeover plans
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Only six per cent of Greenlanders surveyed wanted to join the U.S. A new poll reveals that an overwhelming majority of Greenlanders reject the idea of their Arctic island becoming part of the United States, with many viewing President Trump's interest as a threat.
![[Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (left) speaks to reporters. Her country is set to raise its military spending in the Arctic - while U.S. President Donald Trump talks about acquiring Greenland]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/28/16/Screenshot-2025-01-28-at-11.28.46%E2%80%AFAM.jpg)
The survey by pollster Verian, commissioned by Danish newspaper Berlingske and Greenlandic daily Sermitsiaq, found that 85 per cent of Greenlanders do not want their semi-autonomous Danish territory to become part of the US. This follows President Trump's statement earlier this month asserting Greenland's strategic importance to US security and suggesting Denmark relinquish control.
Only a small fraction, 6 per cent, favour joining the US, while 9 per cent remain undecided. The poll highlights the divisive nature of Trump's interest: 45 per cent perceive it as a threat, while 43 per cent% see it as an opportunity, leaving 13 per cent undecided.
Greenland currently benefits from Danish welfare programs, including universal healthcare and free education, factors that could influence residents' views on a potential change in status. Only 8 per cent of those polled said they would be willing to change their Danish citizenship to American, 55 per cent said they would prefer to be Danish citizens, and 37 per cent were undecided.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Tuesday she had given full backing to the principle of maintaining respect for international borders, following meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Nato chief Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
