Greenlanders Reject U.S. Inclusion Amid Arctic Security Focus

A recent opinion poll revealed that 85% of Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the United States, according to Danish daily Berlingske. The survey, conducted by pollster Verian, showed only 6% support U.S. inclusion, with 9% undecided. Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, is strategically important due to its Arctic location.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently described Greenland as vital to U.S. security, urging Denmark to relinquish control of the island. However, Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede, a strong advocate for independence, emphasized that the island is "not for sale" and its future lies with its people. Greenland gained broad self-governing autonomy in 2009, with the option for full independence through a referendum.

Denmark is strengthening its military presence in the Arctic, allocating 14.6 billion crowns ($2.04 billion) to bolster security. The move underscores growing geopolitical interest in the region, which is critical for global security and trade routes.

Greenland, larger than Mexico but home to just 57,000 people, hosts the U.S. military at the Pituffik Space Base. This facility plays a key role in early missile warning systems due to Greenland’s strategic location along the shortest route between Europe and North America.

The Arctic island's geopolitical value continues to draw international attention, but the overwhelming majority of its residents favor maintaining autonomy or pursuing independence over U.S. affiliation.