Greenland’s 44,000 eligible voters hit the polls today in an election that’s anything but sleepy. With 72 stations open until 22:00 GMT, this Arctic showdown has the world watching—thanks to U.S. President Donald Trump’s relentless quest to claim the island and a roaring debate over ditching Denmark after 300 years.
“There’s never been a glare like this on Greenland,” says Nauja Bianco, a Danish-Greenlandic Arctic policy guru. Trump’s fixation—first aired in 2019 and now back with a vengeance since his January return—has thrust the territory’s strategic spot and mineral riches into the spotlight.
Five of six parties on the ballot are gunning for independence from Copenhagen, 3,000km away, which still calls the shots on foreign and defense matters. The only question? How fast to cut the cord. “Trump’s juiced this debate like steroids,” says Masaana Egede, editor of Greenland’s Sermitsiaq newspaper.
Last week, Trump told Congress, “We need Greenland for national security—one way or another, we’re getting it,” sparking claps and chuckles from VP JD Vance and others. In Nuuk, it lit a fire. “We deserve respect, not this,” snapped Prime Minister Mute Egede, whose Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) party pushes a slow-and-steady autonomy path. “People need security,” he told local outlets.
Trump’s meddling has turbocharged calls to break free, fueled by decades of brewing resentment over Denmark’s colonial baggage—think forced sterilizations and Inuit mistreatment. Egede’s earlier vow to shed “colonial shackles” resonates, and Arctic watcher Martin Breum bets it’ll rake in votes.
But not everyone’s rushing the exit. The opposition Naleraq party wants a divorce from Denmark now—and a cozy defense deal with Washington. Leader Pele Broberg, eyeing a three-year split, points to Brexit and Greenland’s 1985 EU exit as proof it’s doable. Naleraq’s candidate swarm and social media buzz have experts like Breum predicting a bigger parliamentary splash.
Meanwhile, the centre-right Demokraatit party pumps the brakes. “Our economy’s not ready,” candidate Justus Hansen told Reuters, nodding to Greenland’s fishing-driven cashflow and Denmark’s hefty subsidies.
Trump and independence chatter have drowned out everyday gripes—healthcare, elder care, social woes—moans editor Egede. “It’s all about the big break.” Polls show 80% of Greenlanders crave statehood, but half balk if it dents living standards. Another stunner? 85% say “no thanks” to Team USA, with nearly half calling Trump a threat.
Fears linger: could Greenland shake off Denmark only to face a new overlord? “Someone might just show up on our shores,” Egede warns, a vibe that might nudge voters to stick with the devil they know.
The 2009 Self-Rule Act greenlights independence, but it’s a slog—referendum, Danish talks, years of prep. “Ten to fifteen years, minimum,” says Kaj Kleist, a vet politico who helped craft the law. Trump’s term ends in 2028, so don’t hold your breath for a quick split.
With scant polls and a tiny electorate, tonight’s results—due early Wednesday—are anyone’s guess. One thing’s clear: Greenland’s never been this loud on the world stage.