Trump wants Denmark's Greenland, territory wants independence. What's going on?

Recent developments around Greenland include the Denmark’s symbolic redesign of its royal coat of arms and US President-elect Donald Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring the Arctic island

These events come at a time when Greenland itself is pushing for greater autonomy and independence.

Danish royal coat of arms

Denmark’s King Frederik has made a historic change to the royal coat of arms, replacing the centuries-old symbol of the Kalmar Union with prominent representations of Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

The updated design features a polar bear and a ram, reflecting Denmark’s commitment to retaining these territories within the kingdom.

“We are all united and each of us committed for the Kingdom of Denmark. From the Danish minority in South Schleswig – which is even situated outside the Kingdom – and all the way to Greenland. We belong together,” the king stated during his first New Year’s address.

Historians and experts see the move as a response to geopolitical pressures, including Greenland’s growing calls for independence and renewed US interest in the island. Lars Hovbakke Sørensen, a royal expert, told Danish state channel TV2, “It is important to signal from the Danish side that Greenland and the Faroe Islands are part of the Danish realm, and that this is not up for discussion. This is how you mark it.”

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Sebastian Olden-Jørgensen, a historian, told Danish daily Berlingske, “When the Greenlanders, and in a sense also the Faroese, toy with the idea of achieving full independence, the royal house shows they support the state’s policy, which is to preserve the unity of the realm.”

The royal household explained that the changes were made based on a recommendation from a committee convened after King Frederik’s accession in January 2024. The three crowns, symbolising the historical Kalmar Union, were deemed “no longer relevant,” replaced by elements that underscore the modern unity of the Danish commonwealth.

Donald Trump Jr in Greenland

US President-elect Donald Trump has revived his controversial interest in purchasing Greenland, a proposal first floated during his initial term. Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr, is set to visit the island on Tuesday (January 7, 2025), though the trip has been described as private.

According to Mininnguaq Kleist, Greenland’s permanent secretary for foreign affairs, “We have not been briefed on the nature of his programme, and therefore this is a private visit.”

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Trump Jr plans to shoot video content for his podcast during his one-day visit, with no scheduled meetings with Greenlandic officials, reported Reuters.

Meanwhile, Trump Sr continues to champion the potential benefits of US ownership, declaring on his platform Truth Social: “Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation,” the US president-elect wrote. “We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside World. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!”

This isn’t the first time Trump has expressed interest in Greenland. During his first term, he publicly floated the idea of purchasing the island, citing its strategic location and natural resources. The suggestion was met with firm rejection from both Greenlandic and Danish leaders.

In December 2024, Trump reiterated his stance , stating, “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.” Greenland does allow the US a large military base on its territory.

Greenland wants independence

Amid these developments, Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede has intensified calls for independence from Denmark. In his New Year’s speech, Egede spoke of breaking free from “shackles of colonialism” and shaping Greenland’s own future.

“It is about time that we ourselves take a step and shape our future… The history and current conditions have shown that our cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark has not succeeded in creating full equality,” Egede remarked.

Despite Greenland’s significant natural resources, its economy remains reliant on fishing and subsidies from Denmark. The island’s leadership continues to reject Trump’s proposals, with Egede asserting, “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale.”

The drive for independence has been fuelled by historical grievances, including revelations of misconduct by Danish authorities during the 20th century. Greenland’s government has already presented its first draft constitution, a significant step toward full autonomy. However, the timeline for a potential referendum remains uncertain.

Greenland’s political landscape reflects a mix of aspirations for independence and concerns over the timing and consequences of such a move. Aaja Chemnitz, a member of Greenland’s parliament, voiced strong opposition to Trump’s ambitions: “I don’t want to be a pawn in Trump’s hot dreams of expanding his empire to include our country.”

Chemnitz also warned against external interference in Greenland’s political processes, urging the population to focus on domestic priorities rather than becoming entangled in global power plays. “Don’t let Trump control the Greenland election campaign and leave the population as losers in that game,” she wrote in a post on Facebook.

On the Danish front, the royal coat of arms’ redesign highlights the kingdom’s stance on unity.

Parliamentary elections in Greenland are due to be held no later than April 6 this year.

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With inputs from agencies