Tillie Martinussen, a former member of the Greenlandic parliament, has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for his remarks about acquiring Greenland, likening the treatment to that of “sex workers” or a “common prostitute.” Martinussen expressed outrage at the insinuation that Greenlanders are “invadable,” stating that such comments are disrespectful and anger-inducing rather than frightening.
Greenlanders, including Martinussen, have voiced frustration over Trump’s repeated suggestions of the United States taking control of the strategic Arctic island, a self-governing territory under Denmark. While some residents are downplaying the significance of the Trump administration’s statements regarding Greenland, many are disturbed by the implications.
President Trump has long toyed with the idea of acquiring Greenland, particularly emphasizing strategic interests following recent U.S. military actions in Venezuela. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted that Trump views obtaining Greenland as a national security priority, affirming that employing the U.S. military remains a viable option, although diplomacy is the preferred approach.
Despite assertions of American security concerns, Martinussen believes the U.S. has significant leverage in security matters through negotiations rather than territorial acquisition. The U.S. Department of Defense operates the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, supporting missile warning, defense, and space surveillance activities for the U.S. and NATO. Martinussen suggested that Trump’s interests may lie in accessing Greenland’s oil and rare earth minerals.
Mayor Avaaraq Olsen of Nuuk, Greenland, emphasized the community’s rejection of U.S. takeover plans, denouncing the disrespectful treatment of Greenlanders as commodities to be bought. Sara Olsvig, chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council in Nuuk, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Greenlanders’ desire for self-determination and independence from external influences.
Greenland MP Pele Broberg, leader of the opposition party Naleraq, downplayed concerns about Trump’s intentions, urging a nuanced interpretation of the administration’s proposals. Broberg advocated for empowering Greenlandic people through initiatives for independence rather than assimilation into the U.S., emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue over sensationalized media narratives.
Juno Berthelsen, another opposition party member, dismissed fears of military intervention, highlighting Greenland’s longstanding alliance with the U.S. for security reasons. Berthelsen emphasized the importance of U.S. military presence in Greenland as a defense against external threats, suggesting that Trump’s statements may be political posturing rather than a credible policy shift.