Former Greenlandic parliament member Tillie Martinussen criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for likening Greenlanders to “sex workers” or “common prostitutes” with his propositions to acquire the Arctic island. Martinussen expressed anger at Trump’s remarks, labeling them as outrageous and insulting to Greenlanders. She emphasized that suggesting Greenland as “invadable” is unacceptable.
While some Greenlanders downplayed Trump’s comments about acquiring Greenland, others, like Martinussen, voiced frustration. Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland has been ongoing since his first term in office, with recent calls for U.S. control of the strategic island resurfacing after military actions in Venezuela.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump views acquiring Greenland as a national security priority, with military intervention being an option. However, Leavitt clarified that diplomacy remains the president’s primary approach.
Martinussen disputed the argument that U.S. interest in Greenland is solely for security reasons, suggesting that Trump’s intentions may involve accessing resources like oil and rare earth minerals. The Greenlandic people, represented by figures like Avaaraq Olsen and Sara Olsvig, have strongly opposed any notion of foreign control, citing past experiences of colonization.
Greenland MP Pele Broberg, leader of the pro-independence party Naleraq, urged for a more nuanced discussion on Trump’s aspirations for Greenland. Broberg highlighted the importance of direct negotiations and expressed a desire for Greenlandic independence from Denmark, emphasizing the distinctive Greenlandic identity.
Juno Berthelsen, another member of Greenland’s opposition party, dismissed concerns about U.S. annexation, emphasizing Greenland’s longstanding alliance with the U.S. and the strategic importance of U.S. military presence on the island as a defense against external threats. Berthelsen viewed the discussions as mere posturing and expressed confidence in Greenland-U.S. relations.
Overall, Greenlanders are unified in their resistance to external control, emphasizing their unique Greenlandic identity and advocating for autonomy in decision-making regarding the future of their territory.