Poll Reveals 85% of Greenland Residents Oppose Trump's Plan to Annex Island to the U.S.

A recent poll has revealed that a significant majority of Greenland's residents are against the prospect of their island becoming a part of the United States, a proposition previously suggested by former President Donald Trump. The island, believed to harbor substantial untapped mineral and oil reserves, has been the subject of U.S. interest, leading to discussions about potential annexation.

85% of Greenlanders don't want their island to become part of the US

According to the poll, published in the Danish Berlingske and Greenland's Sermitsiaq dailies, an overwhelming 85% of Greenland's inhabitants expressed their disapproval of the U.S. annexation proposal. Only 6% of those surveyed were in favor, while 9% remained undecided. The poll, conducted by the Verian agency, involved a representative sample of Greenland's population, making its findings particularly significant.

Kasper Moller Hansen, a political science professor at the University of Copenhagen, emphasized the importance of the poll, stating, "It's the first poll that asked a representative section of Greenland's population and I think this is very important. I think this poll shows very clearly that they do not want to be American." This sentiment was echoed by Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede, who asserted that Greenlanders "don't want to be American" a day after Donald Trump's inauguration.

The Greenlandic Response to U.S. Interest

The poll also gauged Greenlanders' perception of Trump's interest in their island. Approximately 45% regarded it as a "threat," while 43% saw it as an "opportunity." The margin of error for the poll ranged between 1.9 and 4.4 percentage points, providing a robust insight into the sentiments of the 57,000 residents of Greenland.

Greenland's geopolitical significance is further underscored by its strategic location between the U.S., Russia, and Europe, making it a focal point for both economic and defense considerations. The island's position is particularly relevant as melting sea ice opens up new shipping routes through the Arctic. Moreover, Greenland has been home to the northernmost U.S. military base for many years.

Greenland's Democratic Aspirations

While Greenland's officials have long advocated for independence from Denmark, they have also expressed a willingness to engage in business with the United States. The results of the recent poll, however, indicate a strong preference among the majority of Greenlanders to maintain their autonomy and resist any attempts at annexation.

The rejection of the annexation proposal by Greenland's residents stands as a testament to their commitment to preserving their identity and self-determination. As Greenland continues to navigate its relationships with global powers, the sentiments expressed in the poll serve as a crucial factor in shaping the island's political and economic trajectory.