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Poll shows 85% of Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the United States

29.01.2025 15:00
Eighty-five percent of Greenlanders reject the idea of joining the United States, according to a survey published by Danish newspaper Berlingske, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated assertions that Greenlanders favor closer ties with Washington.
Greenland.
Greenland.Photo: Jonas Tufvesson/Shutterstock.com

The poll by the Verian Institute found that just 6% of Greenland’s population of 57,000 support union with the U.S., while 9% remain undecided. “I am glad if the survey shows that many Greenlanders want closer cooperation with Denmark. Probably in a different form than we know today, because everything changes over time,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told reporters, responding to the findings.

The survey was conducted amid rising tensions over the strategically located Arctic island, which holds extensive natural resources.

In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly called for the U.S. to acquire Greenland—an autonomous territory of Denmark—and has not ruled out using military force or economic pressure on Copenhagen, including tariffs.

In response to those threats, the Danish government on Monday announced plans to bolster its military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic, including sending three naval vessels to waters around Greenland and acquiring long-range drones and satellites. The total cost of the initiative is estimated at nearly 2 billion euros.

(jh)

Source: PAP