85% of Greenlanders don't want their island to become part of the U.S., poll finds
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Danish Poll: US Considered Major Threat Amid Greenland Tensions
Above: Icebergs from the Jakobshavn Glacier, near the village of Ilulissat, Greenland on July 24, 2013. Image copyright: Joe Raedle/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
A recent YouGov poll — conducted between January 15-22 — revealed that 46% of Danish citizens now consider the United States a significant threat to Denmark, surpassing concerns about North Korea (44%) and Iran (40%), though Russia remains the primary perceived threat at 86%.
The heightened concerns emerge amid renewed tension over Greenland's status, as former US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed intentions to acquire the autonomous territory, describing ownership as an "absolute necessity" for American economic security.
The survey of approximately 1K Danish residents demonstrated overwhelming opposition to any potential sale of Greenland to the US, with 78% of respondents rejecting such a proposition, while 72% believed the final decision should rest with Greenland rather than Denmark.
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
President Trump wants to acquire control of Greenland to ensure economic security and defend against Chinese and Russian threats in the Arctic region. The territory's strategic location and valuable resources make it an essential asset for American interests, comparable to a large real estate acquisition that would benefit both nations.
Anti-Trump narrative
Greenland's autonomy and self-determination must be respected, with any decisions about its future resting primarily with its people. The overwhelming opposition from both Danish and Greenlandic populations, combined with the territory's existing path toward potential independence, makes any discussion of a US acquisition inappropriate and concerning.