Trump Takeover Talks Cast Shadow Over Greenland Elections

Greenland Votes Amid Trump's Push for U.S. Control

Greenland's election on Tuesday drew international attention following President Donald Trump's repeated assertions that the mineral-rich island should become part of the United States. Trump has said that Greenland is a strategic priority for U.S. security, citing Arctic geopolitics and access to critical resources. 
With melting ice caps reportedly exposing valuable minerals and shipping routes, Greenland has become a key player in the race between global superpowers. However, the territory's political leaders remain divided on independence and their future relationship with Denmark, which currently provides crucial economic support. 
The election has turned into a referendum on self-rule, with many Greenlanders wary of U.S. influence.
Here's where things stand in the Trump-Greenland fiasco… 
MORE: Follow Wonderwall on MSN for more top news

Trump's Influence Fuels Independence Debate

Donald Trump's outspoken interest in Greenland has fueled nationalist sentiment and intensified discussions on independence. Since taking office for the second time in January, the president has repeatedly suggested that the U.S. should take control of the territory, at one point declining to rule out military force before later softening his stance. 
This has only amplified local distrust of Washington. 
"The question of independence was put on steroids by Trump," said Masaana Egede, editor of Greenland's Sermitsiaq newspaper. 
While pro-independence parties have long pushed for full autonomy from Denmark, Trump's ambitions have pushed even moderate politicians to take a stronger stance on resisting U.S. influence. The election campaign, which initially focused on historic tensions with Denmark, has increasingly shifted toward fears of U.S. imperialism.

Greenland's Economic Crossroads

Greenland's economic future remains a central issue in the election. While the island boasts significant natural resources including rare earth minerals critical to high-tech industries, extraction efforts have been slow due to harsh environmental conditions, regulatory hurdles and China's dominance in the sector. 
Donald Trump has pledged "billions of dollars" in investment if Greenland joins the U.S., but many residents fear American control would come at the cost of their welfare system. Greenlanders enjoy Nordic-style benefits including universal healthcare and free education, which some believe could disappear under U.S. governance. 
"We don't want to be part of the U.S. for obvious reasons; healthcare and Trump," resident Nuuk Tuuta Lynge-Larsen said. 
Despite the economic opportunities, many voters remain skeptical about rapid change.

Denmark's Role and Political Divisions

While Denmark has made it clear that Greenland is not for sale, the country's leadership has reaffirmed that it is ultimately up to Greenlanders to decide their future. 
Prime Minister Mute Egede has strongly opposed Donald Trump's plans, instead advocating for a broad coalition government to resist external pressures. 
"We are open to cooperation with the world, but Greenland is not a commodity," Egede said in an interview with Danish broadcaster DR. However, within Greenland's political landscape, parties are divided on how quickly independence should be pursued. 
The pro-independence Naleraq party has gained traction ahead of the election, viewing U.S. interest as leverage in future negotiations with Denmark. The party aims to put an independence deal to a vote before the next general election in four years, though it is unlikely to secure a parliamentary majority.

Greenland's Future at a Crossroads?

With no official exit polls, the final election results are expected on Wednesday, March 12. While all major parties support independence in principle, the timeline and strategy remain contested. Donald Trump's push for U.S. control has added urgency to the debate, but it has also heightened fears of foreign intervention. 
Greenlanders must now decide whether to accelerate their push for self-rule or maintain the status quo under Danish support. The election outcome will shape Greenland's geopolitical future, with the island balancing between Danish ties, American pressure and its own aspirations for sovereignty.