We Traveled to Greenland to Inquire About a Potential Trump Acquisition
The island's valuable rare earth minerals and strategic Arctic location have made it a focal point of geopolitical interest and a subject of American aspirations.
TroibNews 
**NUUK, GREENLAND** — During a recent Friday night kaffemik — a traditional gathering fueled by coffee — Jørgen Boassen sat relaxed at the end of a long table strewn with leftover whale skin and cake. He wore a T-shirt adorned with “American Badass” and an image of a bloodied Donald Trump raising his fist.
Boassen’s bold pro-Trump statements have made him a notable figure in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. The 50-year-old bricklayer believes there is more support for Trump among the island's residents than is apparent, especially as they work towards independence.
“Many want to use him to liberate us from Denmark,” he remarked, raising his eyebrows playfully.
The notion of Trump’s interest in Greenland has resurfaced after initially being dismissed five years ago when the idea that he might “buy” the island was suggested. Recently, Trump has made headlines again with his fervent comments about integrating Greenland into the United States. At a press conference, he even threatened tariffs against Denmark and did not rule out military action regarding the island, while Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen firmly stated that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.” King Frederik of Denmark has since updated the royal coat of arms to highlight a polar bear, symbolizing Greenland’s significance within his realm.
In the midst of this, Donald Trump Jr. visited Nuuk this week, where Boassen himself provided a tour on Tuesday.
The U.S. has genuine strategic reasons for wanting closer ties to Greenland, particularly amid escalating great power competition in the Arctic, as Russia and China increase their activities there. Greenland’s geography puts it on NATO’s northern edge, and it is rich in rare earth minerals crucial for technology and electric vehicles.
However, many hurdles stand in the way of Trump's ambitions. The era when the U.S. could purchase territories from European nations has ended. Even if Denmark contemplated selling Greenland, the island's residents hold too much legal power for that to occur.
Recent opinion polls indicate that the Greenlandic populace favors several other countries as potential partners over the U.S., with the island's leaders openly expressing a desire for full independence rather than annexation.
Simultaneously, Greenland has been gradually moving away from Copenhagen’s influence as its residents seek greater self-determination. Achieving full sovereignty is daunting for a population of fewer than 60,000 who would need to assume complete responsibility for defending and developing their island, which is significantly larger than Texas.
This context suggests, according to Arctic geopolitics experts, that it is not far-fetched for the U.S. and Greenland to form a special partnership, possibly with Denmark’s consent. Officials from Trump’s first term have advocated for a free association agreement with Greenland, as evidenced in a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed.
Boassen sees potential in this evolving relationship for both himself and his country. He frequently communicates with Tom Dans, a former Trump appointee, who leads a nonprofit advocating closer U.S.-Greenland ties. Boassen is eager to explore trade agreements and other partnerships with the U.S.
However, he faces the challenge of persuading fellow Greenlanders, many of whom are cautious about overtures from a superpower.
Allen Henson, a 37-year-old attendee of the same kaffemik, shared his anxiety over America's changing foreign policy: “I had a dream we got invaded,” he confessed. “There were jet planes everywhere.”
Changes are indeed underway in Nuuk, evident from the modern international terminal that recently reopened at the airport, supported by the Danish government. My journey from Washington involved flying over Greenland before taking a propeller plane from Reykjavik, Iceland. In June, United Airlines plans to initiate seasonal direct flights from Newark to Nuuk, making travel between the U.S. and the island easier, further hinting at a rise in American influence. The internet is already promoting English alongside Greenlandic and Danish.
Nevertheless, Greenland remains closely tied to Denmark. Despite gaining autonomy over the years, the vast majority of its budget comes from an annual grant from Copenhagen, which continues to control the island's foreign affairs, resulting in Danish companies dominating its economy.
Whether complete independence is feasible for this isolated island remains in contention, but it's a widely held aspiration rooted in strong anti-colonial sentiments. Prime Minister Múte Egede, in his New Year's address, condemned “the shackles of the colonial era” and reiterated calls for detachment from Denmark.
During lunch in Nuuk, Rasmus Leander Nielsen, a professor at the University of Greenland, noted discussions among Greenlanders about a potential free association with Denmark — where they would achieve full sovereignty but retain certain privileges — while acknowledging recent proposals from former Trump officials for similar arrangements with the U.S.
As Russian and Chinese involvement in the Arctic grows, many Greenlanders recognize that American security assurances, currently existing via NATO, are likely to remain key for the region’s safety.
“Push come to shove,” Nielsen remarked, “it’s still the U.S. that is going to save our ass.”
Boassen envisions a partnership with Trump and believes it could lead to benefits for Greenland while freeing it from Danish dependence.
Throughout Nuuk, he gave me insights into the local opinion landscape through a Trump-centric lens, identifying supporters and opposers alike, even pointing out a former mayor whom he described as a Kamala Harris supporter.
At every stop, locals approached Boassen to discuss the election results. At Unicorn, a restaurant in the historical section, party-goers feasted on reindeer, some dressed in costumes. Upon entering, they encountered a man dressed as a Trump impersonator, who immediately sought Boassen for a photo.
With mixed Inuit and Danish heritage, similar to many Greenlanders, Boassen carries grievances towards Denmark, stemming from policies of forced cultural assimilation and historical experiences of discrimination he faced as a child for his appearance.
He also highlighted the economic strain from rising prices and suggested that Danish firms hold too much power over the local market.
"The Danes are more worried about losing Greenland than they let on," he remarked. “I think many Danish government members know me. They fear me. I think. I don’t know.”
Boassen recounted a heated exchange with a conservative Danish individual, who referenced the U.S. treatment of Native Americans as a warning against America’s intentions regarding Greenland.
Despite skepticism about U.S. motivations, Boassen believes that embracing the upcoming administration could provide Greenlanders leverage against Denmark. He stated, “Of course he cannot buy us, but we can be partners with [the] U.S.”
Two centuries after President James Monroe’s declaration prohibiting European colonialism within the Western hemisphere, Greenland has largely eluded attention, despite its proximity to Canada, where it sits just 16 miles away at its closest point. Early Indigenous Americans, believed to have arrived from Northeast Asia, are among the first known inhabitants. The Norse, led by Erik the Red, established settlements on the island toward the end of the 10th century but these eventually perished. Europeans returned in the 18th century under Danish rule, converting many Indigenous Inuit to Christianity and incorporating the island into their kingdom.
U.S. interest in Greenland isn't new. In the mid-19th century, Secretary of State William Seward considered purchasing both Greenland and Iceland from Denmark, although the deal never materialized.
During World War II, the U.S. effectively controlled the island and established Thule Air Base. After the war, an offer of $100 million in gold for Greenland was rejected by Denmark. The U.S. briefly withdrew diplomatic presence in 1953 but maintained the air base through an agreement with Denmark.
Since then, the mostly Inuit Greenlandic population has gained rights allowing for greater self-governance. A significant milestone came in 1979 with the achievement of home rule and a parliament, followed by a defense agreement with the U.S. in 2004, and full internal governance in 2009.
Indeed, as Greenland edges toward greater independence, its melting glaciers have drawn global attention and U.S. strategic interest. Diplomatic communications as early as 2007 signaled U.S. engagement as Greenland approached independence while also contemplating potential threats from an increasingly assertive China.
U.S. interest, however, erupted into public discussion in 2019, sparked by Trump’s desire to purchase the island. Initially mentioned during a conversation with Ronald Lauder, the notion became controversial, leading to strategic complications with Denmark.
Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen’s dismissal of the idea resulted in a cancelation of Trump's state visit, but the administration kept pursuing closer ties to Greenland. In June 2020, the State Department reopened a consulate after decades.
The Biden administration marked a shift back to multilateralism in Arctic policy, but discussions of U.S.-Greenland relations gained momentum once more following Trump’s recent victory.
Plans for involving Greenland have surfaced in policy discussions, indicating renewed focus from those within Trump’s circle. Proposals for a Compact of Free Association with Greenland echo arrangements seen in other international contexts, which may be more feasible compared to outright purchase or territorial claims.
Amidst this geopolitical backdrop, the delicate dynamics between the U.S., Denmark, and Greenlandic governance complicate the matter further. While Denmark's officials may resist U.S. encroachment, the longstanding security partnership must temper their responses.
The Greenlandic self-governance law of 2009 grants the populace the right to determine their path to independence, although the process remains vague. A constitutional crisis could arise if Greenlanders seek independence but face resistance from the Danish parliament.
Surveys show that while many Greenlanders wish to move toward independence, they are gauging how quickly to pursue that goal. In an encounter at the airport, Finance Minister Erik Jensen mentioned a new round of parliamentary recommendations expected by 2026 regarding independence.
As for when complete autonomy may occur, Jensen stated, “In our organization we don’t discuss the year. But we would like to move faster.”
Achieving independence would grant Greenlanders control over their relationships with foreign nations and how close they desire ties to the U.S. Recent surveys reflect that 59% of participants want greater cooperation with the U.S., yet a larger share still prefers stronger ties with Denmark and the European Union.
Greenlandic officials echo these sentiments, showing openness to enhanced commerce with the U.S. but hesitance regarding more ambitious proposals. Aaja Chemnitz, one of Greenland’s representatives to Denmark’s parliament, pointedly remarked, “It depends of course on a more realistic approach than what we’re seeing now.”
With current government leaders evidently cautious about American engagement, it is not uncommon for them to decline opportunities or meetings with U.S. officials. An example arose when Undersecretary of State Jose Fernandez was unable to meet with Prime Minister Egede during a recent visit.
Local sentiments about external influences are palpable; the government aptly named its latest foreign policy framework “Nothing about us without us.” Art exhibits throughout Nuuk reflect public sentiment, with satirical installations showing Greenland as a hypothetical aggressive nation.
At a recent concert, locals danced to songs lamenting the sacrifices made by Indigenous people during World War II. One artists’ lyrics reflected the sentiments of dispossession: “The kind people with no evil inside … will not see their land again.”
Amid these tensions, Boassen remains undeterred, focusing on how the U.S. leadership can shape Greenland’s future. He views Trump’s administration as a potential catalyst for liberation globally, citing previous efforts to support Indigenous causes.
While he acknowledges Trump’s unpopularity in Greenland, Boassen attributes this to the prevailing influence of Danish media, which he claims leans Democratic.
With the current political climate presenting opportunities for disruption, Boassen recognizes potential for a shift. His social media outreach demonstrates that his pro-Trump sentiments resonate with many across various settlements, as evidenced by the messages he receives.
He is also particularly attuned to social media trends, noting heightened activism among Greenlanders, especially following contentious policies from the Danish government over child welfare matters.
This past autumn, Boassen traveled to Pennsylvania to campaign with Dans, culminating in a memorable photo-op with Donald Trump Jr. Upon Jr.’s visit to Nuuk, Boassen was present to welcome him.
As Boassen continues to facilitate business between Greenland and the U.S., he aims to gather a Greenlandic delegation for Trump’s inauguration and showcase a sealskin coat as an export example.
His ambitions don’t stop there; he plans to run for a parliamentary seat on a pro-Trump platform in the upcoming elections. His proposal is finely honed, leaving one critical question unanswered: are his fellow Greenlanders prepared to embrace change?
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
Boassen’s bold pro-Trump statements have made him a notable figure in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. The 50-year-old bricklayer believes there is more support for Trump among the island's residents than is apparent, especially as they work towards independence.
“Many want to use him to liberate us from Denmark,” he remarked, raising his eyebrows playfully.
The notion of Trump’s interest in Greenland has resurfaced after initially being dismissed five years ago when the idea that he might “buy” the island was suggested. Recently, Trump has made headlines again with his fervent comments about integrating Greenland into the United States. At a press conference, he even threatened tariffs against Denmark and did not rule out military action regarding the island, while Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen firmly stated that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.” King Frederik of Denmark has since updated the royal coat of arms to highlight a polar bear, symbolizing Greenland’s significance within his realm.
In the midst of this, Donald Trump Jr. visited Nuuk this week, where Boassen himself provided a tour on Tuesday.
The U.S. has genuine strategic reasons for wanting closer ties to Greenland, particularly amid escalating great power competition in the Arctic, as Russia and China increase their activities there. Greenland’s geography puts it on NATO’s northern edge, and it is rich in rare earth minerals crucial for technology and electric vehicles.
However, many hurdles stand in the way of Trump's ambitions. The era when the U.S. could purchase territories from European nations has ended. Even if Denmark contemplated selling Greenland, the island's residents hold too much legal power for that to occur.
Recent opinion polls indicate that the Greenlandic populace favors several other countries as potential partners over the U.S., with the island's leaders openly expressing a desire for full independence rather than annexation.
Simultaneously, Greenland has been gradually moving away from Copenhagen’s influence as its residents seek greater self-determination. Achieving full sovereignty is daunting for a population of fewer than 60,000 who would need to assume complete responsibility for defending and developing their island, which is significantly larger than Texas.
This context suggests, according to Arctic geopolitics experts, that it is not far-fetched for the U.S. and Greenland to form a special partnership, possibly with Denmark’s consent. Officials from Trump’s first term have advocated for a free association agreement with Greenland, as evidenced in a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed.
Boassen sees potential in this evolving relationship for both himself and his country. He frequently communicates with Tom Dans, a former Trump appointee, who leads a nonprofit advocating closer U.S.-Greenland ties. Boassen is eager to explore trade agreements and other partnerships with the U.S.
However, he faces the challenge of persuading fellow Greenlanders, many of whom are cautious about overtures from a superpower.
Allen Henson, a 37-year-old attendee of the same kaffemik, shared his anxiety over America's changing foreign policy: “I had a dream we got invaded,” he confessed. “There were jet planes everywhere.”
Changes are indeed underway in Nuuk, evident from the modern international terminal that recently reopened at the airport, supported by the Danish government. My journey from Washington involved flying over Greenland before taking a propeller plane from Reykjavik, Iceland. In June, United Airlines plans to initiate seasonal direct flights from Newark to Nuuk, making travel between the U.S. and the island easier, further hinting at a rise in American influence. The internet is already promoting English alongside Greenlandic and Danish.
Nevertheless, Greenland remains closely tied to Denmark. Despite gaining autonomy over the years, the vast majority of its budget comes from an annual grant from Copenhagen, which continues to control the island's foreign affairs, resulting in Danish companies dominating its economy.
Whether complete independence is feasible for this isolated island remains in contention, but it's a widely held aspiration rooted in strong anti-colonial sentiments. Prime Minister Múte Egede, in his New Year's address, condemned “the shackles of the colonial era” and reiterated calls for detachment from Denmark.
During lunch in Nuuk, Rasmus Leander Nielsen, a professor at the University of Greenland, noted discussions among Greenlanders about a potential free association with Denmark — where they would achieve full sovereignty but retain certain privileges — while acknowledging recent proposals from former Trump officials for similar arrangements with the U.S.
As Russian and Chinese involvement in the Arctic grows, many Greenlanders recognize that American security assurances, currently existing via NATO, are likely to remain key for the region’s safety.
“Push come to shove,” Nielsen remarked, “it’s still the U.S. that is going to save our ass.”
Boassen envisions a partnership with Trump and believes it could lead to benefits for Greenland while freeing it from Danish dependence.
Throughout Nuuk, he gave me insights into the local opinion landscape through a Trump-centric lens, identifying supporters and opposers alike, even pointing out a former mayor whom he described as a Kamala Harris supporter.
At every stop, locals approached Boassen to discuss the election results. At Unicorn, a restaurant in the historical section, party-goers feasted on reindeer, some dressed in costumes. Upon entering, they encountered a man dressed as a Trump impersonator, who immediately sought Boassen for a photo.
With mixed Inuit and Danish heritage, similar to many Greenlanders, Boassen carries grievances towards Denmark, stemming from policies of forced cultural assimilation and historical experiences of discrimination he faced as a child for his appearance.
He also highlighted the economic strain from rising prices and suggested that Danish firms hold too much power over the local market.
"The Danes are more worried about losing Greenland than they let on," he remarked. “I think many Danish government members know me. They fear me. I think. I don’t know.”
Boassen recounted a heated exchange with a conservative Danish individual, who referenced the U.S. treatment of Native Americans as a warning against America’s intentions regarding Greenland.
Despite skepticism about U.S. motivations, Boassen believes that embracing the upcoming administration could provide Greenlanders leverage against Denmark. He stated, “Of course he cannot buy us, but we can be partners with [the] U.S.”
Two centuries after President James Monroe’s declaration prohibiting European colonialism within the Western hemisphere, Greenland has largely eluded attention, despite its proximity to Canada, where it sits just 16 miles away at its closest point. Early Indigenous Americans, believed to have arrived from Northeast Asia, are among the first known inhabitants. The Norse, led by Erik the Red, established settlements on the island toward the end of the 10th century but these eventually perished. Europeans returned in the 18th century under Danish rule, converting many Indigenous Inuit to Christianity and incorporating the island into their kingdom.
U.S. interest in Greenland isn't new. In the mid-19th century, Secretary of State William Seward considered purchasing both Greenland and Iceland from Denmark, although the deal never materialized.
During World War II, the U.S. effectively controlled the island and established Thule Air Base. After the war, an offer of $100 million in gold for Greenland was rejected by Denmark. The U.S. briefly withdrew diplomatic presence in 1953 but maintained the air base through an agreement with Denmark.
Since then, the mostly Inuit Greenlandic population has gained rights allowing for greater self-governance. A significant milestone came in 1979 with the achievement of home rule and a parliament, followed by a defense agreement with the U.S. in 2004, and full internal governance in 2009.
Indeed, as Greenland edges toward greater independence, its melting glaciers have drawn global attention and U.S. strategic interest. Diplomatic communications as early as 2007 signaled U.S. engagement as Greenland approached independence while also contemplating potential threats from an increasingly assertive China.
U.S. interest, however, erupted into public discussion in 2019, sparked by Trump’s desire to purchase the island. Initially mentioned during a conversation with Ronald Lauder, the notion became controversial, leading to strategic complications with Denmark.
Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen’s dismissal of the idea resulted in a cancelation of Trump's state visit, but the administration kept pursuing closer ties to Greenland. In June 2020, the State Department reopened a consulate after decades.
The Biden administration marked a shift back to multilateralism in Arctic policy, but discussions of U.S.-Greenland relations gained momentum once more following Trump’s recent victory.
Plans for involving Greenland have surfaced in policy discussions, indicating renewed focus from those within Trump’s circle. Proposals for a Compact of Free Association with Greenland echo arrangements seen in other international contexts, which may be more feasible compared to outright purchase or territorial claims.
Amidst this geopolitical backdrop, the delicate dynamics between the U.S., Denmark, and Greenlandic governance complicate the matter further. While Denmark's officials may resist U.S. encroachment, the longstanding security partnership must temper their responses.
The Greenlandic self-governance law of 2009 grants the populace the right to determine their path to independence, although the process remains vague. A constitutional crisis could arise if Greenlanders seek independence but face resistance from the Danish parliament.
Surveys show that while many Greenlanders wish to move toward independence, they are gauging how quickly to pursue that goal. In an encounter at the airport, Finance Minister Erik Jensen mentioned a new round of parliamentary recommendations expected by 2026 regarding independence.
As for when complete autonomy may occur, Jensen stated, “In our organization we don’t discuss the year. But we would like to move faster.”
Achieving independence would grant Greenlanders control over their relationships with foreign nations and how close they desire ties to the U.S. Recent surveys reflect that 59% of participants want greater cooperation with the U.S., yet a larger share still prefers stronger ties with Denmark and the European Union.
Greenlandic officials echo these sentiments, showing openness to enhanced commerce with the U.S. but hesitance regarding more ambitious proposals. Aaja Chemnitz, one of Greenland’s representatives to Denmark’s parliament, pointedly remarked, “It depends of course on a more realistic approach than what we’re seeing now.”
With current government leaders evidently cautious about American engagement, it is not uncommon for them to decline opportunities or meetings with U.S. officials. An example arose when Undersecretary of State Jose Fernandez was unable to meet with Prime Minister Egede during a recent visit.
Local sentiments about external influences are palpable; the government aptly named its latest foreign policy framework “Nothing about us without us.” Art exhibits throughout Nuuk reflect public sentiment, with satirical installations showing Greenland as a hypothetical aggressive nation.
At a recent concert, locals danced to songs lamenting the sacrifices made by Indigenous people during World War II. One artists’ lyrics reflected the sentiments of dispossession: “The kind people with no evil inside … will not see their land again.”
Amid these tensions, Boassen remains undeterred, focusing on how the U.S. leadership can shape Greenland’s future. He views Trump’s administration as a potential catalyst for liberation globally, citing previous efforts to support Indigenous causes.
While he acknowledges Trump’s unpopularity in Greenland, Boassen attributes this to the prevailing influence of Danish media, which he claims leans Democratic.
With the current political climate presenting opportunities for disruption, Boassen recognizes potential for a shift. His social media outreach demonstrates that his pro-Trump sentiments resonate with many across various settlements, as evidenced by the messages he receives.
He is also particularly attuned to social media trends, noting heightened activism among Greenlanders, especially following contentious policies from the Danish government over child welfare matters.
This past autumn, Boassen traveled to Pennsylvania to campaign with Dans, culminating in a memorable photo-op with Donald Trump Jr. Upon Jr.’s visit to Nuuk, Boassen was present to welcome him.
As Boassen continues to facilitate business between Greenland and the U.S., he aims to gather a Greenlandic delegation for Trump’s inauguration and showcase a sealskin coat as an export example.
His ambitions don’t stop there; he plans to run for a parliamentary seat on a pro-Trump platform in the upcoming elections. His proposal is finely honed, leaving one critical question unanswered: are his fellow Greenlanders prepared to embrace change?
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
