A new poll has revealed that a significant majority of Greenland's residents—85 percent—do not wish for the island to become part of the United States, despite President Donald Trump's interest in asserting control over the autonomous Danish territory.
Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to annex the world's largest island, which is rich in natural resources and home to a U.S. space facility.
"I think we will get it," Trump stated on Saturday, noting that 57,000 residents of the island "want to be with us."
However, a poll conducted by the research firm Verian for the Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq and the Danish publication Berlingske showed that only 6% of residents wish to join the U.S.
The poll results were published following a meeting between Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and NATO allies, aimed at strengthening a unified European stance in light of Trump's expansionist rhetoric.
After her meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Frederiksen remarked, "I want to ensure that Europe is united, not only regarding the Kingdom of Denmark but in a broader sense."
Scholz took a firmer stance, telling reporters in response to a question about Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine that "borders cannot be changed by force," adding in English, "to whom it may concern."
RelatedGreenland is controlled by Denmark but is not a member of the European Union. Nevertheless, it holds a special status that grants access to EU funds and freedom of movement for Greenlanders, who are legally considered EU citizens.
Moreover, the mutual defense clause enshrined in EU treaties applies to Greenland, meaning that all EU countries are obligated to provide "aid and assistance" if any signatory falls "victim to armed aggression on its territory."
Trump has not ruled out the use of military force to establish control over the island after Danish authorities stated that it is not for sale.
He reiterated the threat during a phone call with Frederiksen earlier this month, during which he reportedly warned Denmark about raising tariffs.
Frederiksen did not mention either Trump or Greenland during her tour of Europe. However, she emphasized that Europe must enhance its defense capabilities to become stronger.
"We must take more responsibility for our own security," the Danish leader stated.
In recent days, Denmark has introduced several measures concerning Greenland, including a €4.7 million action plan to combat racism and discrimination against Greenlanders in the country.
Copenhagen also announced it would spend €1.95 billion to bolster defense capabilities in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions.