Donald Trump talked about the takeover of Greenland during his first term. What do the Greenlanders think about it?
“I really want this monument to disappear,” says Qupanuk Olsen, a resident of Greenland. – Why is it not a Greenland monument? – he asks. The statue of Hans Egeded in Nuk, a missionary from the 18th century, is a daily reminder that its country is not independent.
Qupanuk Olsen is the largest influencer from Greenland and at the same time a candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections. He wants Greenland to cease to be dependent on Denmark, but she doesn't want her to belong to the USA. – Why should we depend on another colonizer? – he asks.
Native Greenlanders constitute almost 90 percent of the population of this country. Qupanuk Olsen asked if all this interest in Greenland caused by Donald Trump will come out to the inhabitants of this country for good, he thinks so because “will accelerate their independence process.”
Americans have been present in Greenland for decades
When the Nazis took Denmark during World War II, the United States army entered Greenland. American soldiers have been present there for decades, and in the capital, in Nuuk, an American consulate operates. He was again opened by President Trump during his first term, in 2020.
– Americans died for this country. My grandfather saw his friends with his own eyes – recalls Tom Dans, who was called to the American Arctic Research Commission during the first term of Donald Trump.
– When Trump first raised the topic of buying Greenland, people treated it like a joke. They thought it was madness – says Tom Dans. He thinks that Trump's idea is not so crazy. – Nothing crazy. Greenland, due to its geographical location, is a kind of gate to North America – he says.
The United States competes with Russia and other countries for dominance in the Arctic. Greenland is a strategic place for satellite and rocket detection systems.
Greenland in the context of security and financial support is today in Denmark. – We would definitely need a similar contract with another country. Otherwise we have to continue working with Denmark or with the United States or Canada – he indicates Qupanuk Olsen.
Trump is interested in Greenland for many reasons
Climate change is opened by new, sailing routes in the Arctic that the United States want to control. – I talked to businessmen, investors, entrepreneurs – everyone is counting on big things! – emphasizes Tom Dans, talking about the Greenlanders in the context of strengthening cooperation with the USA.
Donald Trump is also interested in Greenland by its numerous natural resources.
– Economy based on fisheries, tourism, mining or investments in security and logistics – it all matters – indicates Tom Dans. He does not play any role in the current administration of Donald Trump, but together with the Greenland Jørgen Boassen supported the American president's campaign during the last election.
The Greenlanders will go to the urns. “Discussions about independence and our identity have intensified significantly”Justyna Zuber/Facts about the world of TVN24 BIS
In recent months, Jørgen Boassen has traveled to the United States many times and supported Donald Trump, among others during a rally in Pennsylvania.
– No, we do not want to be 51. A state, only the closest allies in every issue – defense, mining, oil extraction, trade and all the rest – comments Jørgen Boassen.
In January in Greenland you could see another trail of American presence. Donald Trump Jr. He came there on board the so -called Trump Force One. For many, it was a sign that the situation was developmental.
– When I saw this plane, I felt excited, but I immediately thought if I should start to get nervous. I realized that Trump's words are slowly becoming a reality – says Qupanuk Olsen.
CNN/Facts about the world of TVN24 BIS
Source of the main photo: CNN