Hundreds of Greenlanders gathered in the capital, Nuuk, on Friday to protest against US President Donald Trump’s push for greater American influence over the Arctic island as the United States opened a new consulate in the territory.
The protest came during a visit by Trump’s special envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, and amid continuing diplomatic tensions over Washington’s repeated calls for greater control of the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Demonstrators marched through Nuuk chanting “Greenland is for Greenlanders” before standing silently with their backs turned towards the new US consulate.
“Our government already told Donald Trump and his administration that Greenland is not for sale,” protest organiser Aqqalukkuluk Fontain said.
“Our message is for the American people and to the rest of the world… That in a democratic world, no means no,” he added.
Some protesters said Landry’s visit, which reportedly came without an official invitation, had heightened concerns about US intentions toward Greenland.
“It’s so important to show this is not okay,” protester Inge Bisgaard told the BBC, adding that many residents still feared renewed pressure from Washington after Trump revived calls for the US to “own” Greenland earlier this year.
The opening of the 3,000 square metre consulate, nicknamed “Trump Towers” by some locals, marked a significant expansion of the American diplomatic presence in Nuuk.
At the inauguration ceremony, US Ambassador to Denmark Kenneth Howery said Washington hoped to deepen ties with Greenland.
“The Arctic is clearly a region of global importance,” Howery said. “We will always be neighbours and be with you into whatever future you choose as allies and partners.”
However, Greenlandic political leaders were largely absent from the event. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen declined to attend, while Greenlandic MP Naaja Nathanielsen said she also rejected the invitation “to send signals” over concerns about sovereignty.
During his visit, Landry reportedly met Greenlandic officials and business leaders as part of efforts to strengthen relations and encourage closer cooperation with the US.
In comments to local newspaper Sermitsiaq, Landry suggested Greenland could become economically stronger as an independent nation.
“I think Greenland could have an equally good or even better economy as an independent country,” he said.
But when asked whether Washington would respect Greenland’s sovereignty concerns, Landry replied: “There is only one line for us. It is red, white and blue.”
Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland holds strategic importance for US national security, particularly in the Arctic, where competition involving Russia and China has intensified.
A working group involving US and Greenlandic officials is currently discussing Washington’s request for a larger American military presence on the island, although no agreement has yet been reached.
Erizia Rubyjeana
Follow us on:
