Hundreds March in Greenland Against Trump’s Push for Control
Hundreds of Greenlanders gathered in Nuuk over the weekend, marching through sleet and freezing temperatures to protest the new attempt by the United States to influence their island’s future. Carrying national flags and holding signs reading “Greenland is not for sale,” demonstrators voiced anger over President Donald Trump’s push to bring the Arctic territory under American control.
The protests followed Trump’s announcement on Jan. 17 that the U.S. would impose tariffs on goods from eight European countries unless they back negotiations over Greenland. The White House announced that a 10% import tax would take effect on Feb. 1 and rise to 25% by June if progress is not made toward an agreement. Denmark, which oversees Greenland’s foreign and defense policy, rejected the proposal outright, saying the island’s status is not open to negotiation.
Trump has framed Greenland as a national security concern. The vast island lies between North America and Europe along strategic Arctic air and sea routes. It also hosts the Pituffik Space Base, a key U.S. military installation for missile warning and space surveillance. Trump has repeatedly cited increased Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic as evidence that Washington needs a stronger foothold in the region.
Economic interests are also central to the dispute. Greenland is believed to hold large reserves of rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron ore ? materials vital for defense systems and advanced manufacturing. As Arctic ice melts, access to these resources and newly viable shipping lanes has expanded, intensifying competition among major powers. Many Greenlanders argue that such arguments miss the core issue. Although still part of the Kingdom of Denmark, the island governs its own domestic affairs and has steadily expanded its autonomy in recent decades. Protesters in Nuuk said Trump’s remarks reduce their homeland to a bargaining chip, disregarding both their self-rule and cultural identity. Solidarity rallies were also held in Copenhagen, where thousands of Danish residents marched in support of Greenlanders and called for respect for the island’s right to self-determination.
Trump has stated the U.S. would not use force and claims recent talks with NATO leaders laid the groundwork for future discussions. European officials have voiced skepticism, warning that tariff threats strain trust between NATO members and risk undermining Arctic cooperation. Analysts say the dispute could reshape political and security dynamics across the Arctic region.
Greenland’s leaders have reiterated that only Greenlanders will decide their future. For residents watching global powers compete over their homeland, the controversy has heightened long-standing fears of being treated as a strategic asset rather than a society with its own voice. The message from the protests was unmistakable: security concerns and mineral wealth do not outweigh their right to choose their own path.
Sean Jung R&D Division Director teen/1770600610/1613367592
1. Who gathered in Nuuk to protest against American control over Greenland?
2. What did President Trump use as a threat to force negotiations?
3. When would the first import tax take effect according to officials?
4. Why do residents fear being treated as a strategic asset?
1. Should world leaders be allowed to buy territory from other nations?
2. How important is self-determination for a small society like Greenland?
3. What risks arise when powerful countries compete for Arctic resources?
4. Would you join a protest to protect your homeland's identity?
Hundreds of Greenlanders gathered in Nuuk over the weekend, marching through sleet and freezing temperatures to protest the new attempt by the United States to influence their island’s future. Carrying national flags and holding signs reading “Greenland is not for sale,” demonstrators voiced anger over President Donald Trump’s push to bring the Arctic territory under American control.
