Tillie Martinussen, a former member of the parliament in Greenland, criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for likening her fellow citizens to “sex workers” or a “common prostitute” in his pursuit to acquire the island. She expressed her outrage at the suggestion that Greenlanders are “invadable,” emphasizing that it is insulting.
Several Greenlanders, including Martinussen, have expressed anger and frustration over Trump’s recent statements regarding the United States’ interest in acquiring the strategically important Arctic island, a self-governing territory of Denmark. While some individuals on the island have downplayed the remarks made by the Trump administration, the overall sentiment remains one of concern.
Trump has floated the idea of acquiring Greenland since his first term in office, with renewed calls following recent U.S. military actions in Venezuela. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority for the U.S., emphasizing that military intervention is an option but diplomacy remains the preferred approach.
Contrary to the notion that the acquisition is for American security, Martinussen argued that the U.S. has negotiating power without resorting to territorial takeovers. The U.S. Department of Defence operates the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, supporting missile warning, missile defence, and space surveillance operations for the U.S. and NATO.
The Mayor of Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, Avaaraq Olsen, highlighted the strong opposition among Greenlanders to any U.S. takeover plans, emphasizing that they do not want to be treated as commodities for sale. Sara Olsvig, chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council in Nuuk, emphasized that Greenlanders have experienced colonization and are determined to maintain their identity as Kalaallit and Greenlanders.
Pele Broberg, a Greenland MP and leader of the opposition party Naleraq, downplayed concerns over Trump’s comments, suggesting that the focus should be on empowering Greenlandic people rather than speculating about annexation. Broberg emphasized the need for direct negotiations to address concerns about independence and security.
Juno Berthelsen, another member of Greenland’s opposition party, dismissed the idea of military intervention as unrealistic, citing Greenland’s longstanding alliance with the U.S. for security against external threats. Berthelsen emphasized that Greenlanders benefit from U.S. military presence on the island and downplayed fears of a potential takeover.
