Greenlanders Head to Polls Amid Trump Takeover Threats

NUUK, Greenland – Voters in Greenland went to the polls on March 11, 2025, in a parliamentary election that could significantly influence the island’s status amid increasing attention from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened to claim the territory as part of the United States.

The election is crucial not just for local governance but also for the broader geopolitical landscape, as Greenland’s mineral wealth and strategic position in the Arctic have caught the attention of global powers, particularly the U.S., Russia, and China. Trump’s administration has emphasized Greenland’s importance to U.S. security interests, which has intensified questions about the island’s sovereignty.

The voting period was extended by half an hour past the original 22:00 GMT deadline due to high turnout at the island’s 72 polling stations. Approximately 40,500 eligible voters were anticipated to participate, despite the absence of exit polls and potential delays in reporting final results.

Greenland, which has a population of about 57,000 and is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, has been embroiled in a long-standing debate about independence. The country gained some autonomy in 1979, yet Denmark still controls its foreign affairs and defense, funding its economy with nearly $1 billion annually.

Prime Minister Múte Egede, who leads the ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit party, called the election at a “serious time” for Greenland, highlighting the urgency of unity in the face of external pressures. “We are at a crossroads; this is a fateful choice for us,” Egede remarked, as he cast his vote in Nuuk.

In a recent poll, the majority of Greenlanders expressed support for independence, though opinions varied on the timing and implications for the economy. “We don’t want to be part of the U.S. for obvious reasons: healthcare and Trump,” said Tuuta Lynge-Larsen, a bank employee and Nuuk resident.

The pro-independence Naleraq party, a significant opposition force, has gained traction by capitalizing on resentment against Denmark and Trump’s imperialistic rhetoric. Candidate Qunanuk Olsen stated, “This is our independence election,” calling for an urgent examination of a potential break from Copenhagen.

Conversely, candidates from the Inuit Ataqatigiit party emphasized the need for stability and healing within Greenland before pursuing full independence. Inge Olsvig Brandt argued that “we need to work on ourselves, our history before taking the next step toward independence.”

The diamond-in-the-rough landscape of Greenland holds vast potential in rare earth minerals, crucial for high-tech industries. However, environmental concerns and the global market’s competitive nature have slowed resource extraction, complicating any independence plans.

Although Trump initially suggested military force amid his interest, his stance softened, stating he would respect the wishes of Greenlanders and offer substantial economic investments should they agree to join the U.S. This approach has sparked unease among locals, who have rebuffed the notion of U.S. ownership.

The election, closely monitored internationally due to its implications for U.S.-Greenland relations, could define not only the political future of the island but also alter how sovereign nations engage in global diplomacy. As voters await the final tally, which could take hours or even days, they remain poised at a crucial intersection of history.