The rising sun casts a golden hue over the ice-clad mountains of Nuuk fjord, offering a glimpse into one of the world’s final wild frontiers. However, a sense of unease envelops Greenland as political tensions escalate with Donald Trump poised to become the new president of the United States. His suggestion of potentially acquiring Greenland by force has started ripples of concern among its residents.
“We welcome visitors, but Greenland belongs to Greenlanders,” says a local fishing boat captain, encapsulating a sentiment echoed throughout the island. As we approach the secluded settlement of Kapisillit, home to around 40 inhabitants, the stark chill of -16°C (-3°F) sets in, with wind chill dropping it to a biting -27°C.
In Kapisillit, I meet Kaaleeraq Ringsted, a 73-year-old church elder and great-grandfather. As he dries freshly caught cod near his home, his response to Trump’s controversial remarks is both light-hearted and firm. “Greenland is not for sale,” he states resolutely, emphasizing his desire to preserve traditional ways of life for future generations.
Navigating through icy waters, we reach Angutimmarik Hansen’s farm, a blend of agriculture and hunting. Hansen highlights the harsh realities of life in Greenland, where winter feed for his sheep relies on imports from Denmark. “Those rifles are for any potential invaders,” he jokes, but his frustration with the rhetoric from the U.S. is clear. “We will never sell Greenland,” he asserts defiantly.
Amidst this backdrop, Trump Jr. recently visited Nuuk, spending just over four hours meeting locals. His comments about the warm reception received underscore the delicate balance between welcoming engagement and the strong desire for autonomy. Local businessman Jorgen Boassen, a known supporter of Trump’s, talks optimistically about fostering trade and cooperation with the U.S.
Nuuk, recognized as the world’s northernmost capital, is seeing discussions about independence gain momentum on the global stage. Pro-independence advocates argue for direct negotiations with the U.S. rather than through Denmark, highlighting a push for self-determination amidst historical injustices faced by the indigenous population.
Tensions remain palpable, rooted in the legacy of colonialism and policies that marginalized the Inuit people, including the deeply troubling past of forced sterilizations. Former finance minister Maliina Abelsen emphasizes the need for healing and acknowledgment of historical wrongs before any genuine progress can be made.
The implications of Trump’s stance on Greenland have brought these discussions to the forefront, reminding the world that Greenland’s future should be dictated by its people—voices long overshadowed in the narrative of international discourse. The message from Nuuk to the remote fjords is clear: Greenland’s destiny rests in the hands of its citizens, who are eager to reclaim their narrative.
