85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the U.S. according to new poll

By Elías Thorsson January 29, 2025
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Greenlands flag flutters at the Inussivik hall in Nuuk, Greenland. Emil Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via REUTERS/ File Photo

According to a new poll published by Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq, an overwhelming 85% of Greenlanders reject the idea of Greenland leaving the Kingdom of Denmark (Rigsfællesskabet) to become part of the United States. The survey, conducted by the research institute Verian in collaboration with Sermitsiaq and Danish newspaper Berlingske, offers a stark rejection of Donald Trump’s narrative that Greenlanders want to join the U.S.

Despite the strong opposition to becoming U.S. citizens, the poll also revealed a nuanced view of Trump’s interest in Greenland. Roughly half of respondents saw Trump’s attention as an opportunity, while the other half perceived it as a threat.

“Donald Trump and his son, Trump Jr., keep claiming that Greenlanders want to become Americans, but this is obviously at odds with the facts when you look at this poll,” said Ulrik Pram Gad, senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS). He added that American interest in Greenland could be interpreted as an opportunity in two ways.

“It’s an opportunity to open doors to more business with the U.S.—now that Greenland is not for sale. And it’s also an opportunity to attract more attention and goodwill from Denmark,” Gad explained.

Disconnect between Trump’s statements and Greenlandic reality

The poll results highlight a stark contrast between Trump’s assertions and the sentiments of Greenland’s population. Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested that Greenlanders would welcome U.S. citizenship and integration into the United States. However, Kasper Møller Hansen, a professor of political science at the University of Copenhagen, disagrees.

“This is something Donald Trump believes. It’s not what Greenlanders are saying here. It’s quite unambiguous,” Hansen told Berlingske. “Compared to what Donald Trump has previously claimed, this is clear evidence that reality is different. Greenlanders do not want to be Americans. They want to remain Greenlanders and that comes across very strongly in this poll.”

Key findings

The poll, conducted through web interviews with 497 representative Greenlandic citizens aged 18 and over, ran from January 22 to 27, 2025. Its findings include:

  • 85% of respondents oppose Greenland leaving the Kingdom of Denmark to join the United States.
  • Approximately 50% view Trump’s interest in Greenland as an opportunity, while the other half see it as a threat.

Greenland’s position on U.S. Interest

The results suggest that while most Greenlanders are adamantly against the idea of joining the U.S., Trump’s interest is not universally unwelcome. Some respondents interpret the increased American attention as a chance to boost economic ties and attract strategic investment in Greenland. Others, however, view it as a direct challenge to their autonomy and cultural identity.

The poll underscores a critical point: Greenlanders overwhelmingly identify as Greenlanders and their future is envisioned within the Kingdom of Denmark, not as part of the United States. As Ulrik Pram Gad pointed out, while Trump’s rhetoric may be provocative, the poll results serve as “a very clear rebuttal of his claims.”