Greenland, a vast semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, finds itself at the center of a geopolitical storm following US President Donald Trump's declarations that the United States needs to "own" the island for national security purposes. This has clearly unnerved its 57,000 inhabitants, mostly indigenous Inuit, despite the island's serene appearance of ice and snow-capped mountains and glittering fjords.

The largest concentration of Greenlanders resides on the south-western coast in the capital, Nuuk. Many residents are reluctant to discuss the Trump-related anxiety, but those who do express gloom and fear. One pensioner emphasized that the US must never plant its flag in Nuuk, while another resident, fearful of a US takeover by force after witnessing interventions elsewhere, admitted to being "scared to death." Pottery-maker Pilu Chemnitz articulated a common sentiment: "I think we are all very tired of the US president. We have always lived a quiet and peaceful life here. Of course, the colonisation by Denmark caused a lot of trauma for many people but we just want to be left alone."

While 85% of Greenlanders oppose a US takeover, many also favor independence from Denmark, though they appreciate the Danish subsidies that support their welfare state. Despite being rich in untapped natural resources, poverty remains a significant issue in Inuit communities. Greenlanders seek a greater say in both their domestic and foreign policies.

Pipaluk Lynge-Rasmussen, co-chair of the foreign affairs committee in Greenland's parliament and an MP with the pro-independence Inuit Ataqatigiit party, stressed the importance of Greenlanders speaking out about their desires. She noted their continuous work towards independence since gaining home rule in 1979 and further autonomy in 2009. Lynge-Rasmussen suggested that Greenlanders should not view themselves as victims but rather use the international spotlight to highlight their importance and priorities. She expressed hope that the upcoming meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Danish, and Greenlandic officials would lead to "understanding and compromise," potentially involving cooperation on trade, mining, or even more American military bases.

Opposition MP Pele Broberg of the Naleraq Party highlighted Greenland's geographical proximity to North America, being closer to New York City than Copenhagen. He argued that while Greenland is "not for sale," it should be "open for business," criticizing the current arrangement that forces the island to import goods from distant Denmark rather than closer US markets. Broberg described his party as the island's true independence party, advocating for freedom to trade with any country on their own terms.

President Trump and US Vice-President JD Vance justify the need to "take" Greenland by asserting that Denmark does not adequately secure the island, a claim Copenhagen disputes. The US already maintains a military base on Greenland, though its presence was drastically reduced from approximately 10,000 personnel during the Cold War to about 200 currently. Trump's interest is likely multifaceted, stemming from perceived national security concerns, a desire for Greenland's rich natural resources like rare earths and minerals, and his ambition to dominate the Americas.

From a national security perspective, the shortest route for a Russian ballistic missile to reach the continental US is via Greenland and the North Pole. Washington already operates an early warning air base on the island, and Greenland could host missile interceptors for the proposed "Golden Dome" system to shield the US from missile attacks. Additionally, the US has reportedly discussed placing radars in the GIUK Gap (waters connecting Greenland, Iceland, and the UK) to track Chinese and Russian vessels.

While there is no visible evidence of numerous Chinese and Russian ships around Greenland, both nations have been expanding their military capabilities and cooperation in the Arctic. Russia, under Western sanctions, seeks to increase shipping to Asia via the Northern Sea Route, which is becoming more navigable due to melting ice. China aims for shorter, more lucrative maritime routes to Europe, and Greenland opened a representation office in Beijing in 2023 to deepen ties. The US's recent focus on Arctic security follows a period of reduced attention.

Nato allies, including the UK, are actively trying to persuade Washington of their commitment to Arctic security, with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reportedly urging European leaders to increase cooperation with the US in the region. There is hope for negotiation with Rubio, and a military takeover by Trump, while not impossible, is considered unlikely. However, Europe's heavy reliance on the US for its own security and defense, coupled with its desire to maintain Washington's support in ending the war in Ukraine, complicates any potential response to unilateral US action in Greenland. The delicate post-Cold War balance in the Arctic, and even since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, is now under threat from military posturing and unilateralism, adding a real sense of jeopardy to the region.