Copenhagen, Denmark – For Donald Trump, the U.S. president who prides himself on his negotiation skills, Greenland presents a compelling prospect.

For years, he has expressed a desire to acquire Greenland, a vast, semi-autonomous island that is an integral part of Denmark, teeming with untapped mineral resources and home to approximately 56,000 residents.

In 2019, during his first presidential term, Trump suggested that the United States should purchase Greenland, portraying it as a lucrative real estate opportunity.

Now, in 2025, as president once more, Trump raises concerns about national and economic security, asserting that China and Russia represent significant threats, particularly given their increasingly assertive military activities in the Arctic region.

Trump has also challenged the legitimacy of Denmark’s ownership of Greenland, suggesting that if they have control, the territory should be relinquished to the U.S.

“I believe we’ll acquire Greenland because it is essential to global freedom,” he remarked to reporters aboard Air Force One last month.

He has not dismissed the possibility of military action if his requests are ignored, a provocative stance that has escalated tensions with European nations.

Back in 2019, the suggestion was firmly rejected.

Kim Kielsen, then-leader of Greenland’s government, stated unequivocally that the territory was not for sale.

Once again, both Greenlandic and Danish officials are reiterating this stance.

The current leader of Greenland’s government, Mute B. Egede, has emphasized ambitions for independence and a willingness to collaborate with various entities, including Denmark, the EU, and the U.S.

In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, Birger Poppel, a social scientist and emeritus professor at Ilisimatusarfik (the University of Greenland), discussed the mounting tensions, Donald Trump Jr.’s recent trip to Greenland, current public sentiment in the region, relations with Denmark, and the escalating challenges posed by climate change in the increasingly busy Arctic.

Al Jazeera: Donald Trump Jr. utilized his private jet to visit Greenland, promoting the notion that U.S. ownership could enhance Greenland’s fortunes. Reports suggest that some Greenlanders were pressured to claim on camera that they lack resources and hold affection for the U.S. What is the sentiment among Greenlanders towards the U.S.?

Birger Poppel: This attempt to market the idea succinctly encapsulates the purpose of Trump Jr.’s brief visit to Nuuk.

The advance team arrived the previous day, distributing MAGA hats to locals who agreed to be present when Junior arrived with his public relations team.

Upon his arrival, he was met by a local Trump supporter who had previously been involved in Trump’s campaign, along with several locals sporting MAGA hats and a curious crowd from Nuuk.

One notable event was a lunch at a luxury local restaurant where locals, primarily those who are socially disadvantaged, were served complimentary meals.

Trump Jr.’s trip was predominantly a public relations exercise. Although he claimed it was a tourist visit, he and his entourage primarily carried political messages rooted in misinformation. This also applies to his assertions regarding the views of Greenlanders on the United States.

Four out of five parties in Greenland’s Parliament, Inatsisartut, promote independence as part of their political agendas. A majority of the Greenlandic population desires independence within the next 10 to 20 years, provided they can maintain their standard of living.

A recent survey indicates that 85 percent of Greenlanders prefer to remain within the Danish Realm, rather than becoming a part of the United States.

If offered the choice between Danish or American citizenship, 55 percent would opt for Danish citizenship, while only eight percent would choose American citizenship.

Al Jazeera: How should we interpret Trump’s assertion that Greenland’s status is linked to U.S. national and economic security? Are China and Russia genuine threats?

Poppel: If taken at face value, Trump’s comments suggest an intense threat level. It is essential to remember that this stance challenges one of the U.S.’s most steadfast NATO allies.

This reflects Trump’s disregard for a rules-based international system that acknowledges established national borders. Such rhetoric can inadvertently lend support to actions by figures like [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, particularly concerning Ukraine.

The United States could pursue its strategic interests in Greenland with established military bases and defense agreements with Denmark.

If “economic security” pertains to accessing rare earth elements, the Greenlandic government has indeed invited U.S. companies to seek exploration and development licenses. However, only one American company has obtained a license so far.

Trump’s statements may stem from a lack of understanding of the situation on the ground or an attempt to connect with his base, insinuating that the “Make America Great Again” slogan includes territorial ambitions, as evidenced by sentiments surrounding the Panama Canal.

Al Jazeera: The Arctic has traditionally been perceived as both geographically and politically remote. What changes are occurring?

Poppel: Climate change is resulting in diminishing ice cover in the Arctic Ocean, which is leading to increased shipping traffic, particularly through the Northeast Passage.

This surge in maritime activity also includes more vessels from China and Russia, as Trump seems to worry that naval ships from these countries may be part of the increased traffic.

In recent years, Russia has modernized its military facilities along its Arctic coast to align with the growing accessibility of the region, significantly enhancing its naval capabilities, including icebreakers.

In a recent interview, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited rising security needs in the Arctic, suggesting that China may require port facilities in Greenland. He interpreted this as justification for Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland.

The five Arctic nations—Canada, Greenland/Denmark, Norway, Russia, and the United States—committed to peacefully resolving conflicts in the region through the Ilulissat Declaration of 2008, which was reaffirmed in 2018, emphasizing the importance of keeping the Arctic a low-tension zone.

Undoubtedly, both Russia and China are increasing their engagement in the Arctic. With its extensive coastline, Russia has upgraded its military establishments in the Arctic, while China expresses keen interest in the region’s oil and gas reserves and potential shipping routes that could lower transportation costs.

Al Jazeera: Europe was taken aback by Trump’s assertion that he could acquire Greenland by any means necessary. In response, the Danish government is implementing security enhancements in Greenland. What is your perspective on Denmark’s reaction?

Poppel: Greenlandic leaders and representatives in the Danish Parliament have long highlighted the importance of increased monitoring of Greenland’s territory and its surrounding waters.

In 2019, the Danish government allocated funds to enhance Greenland’s security oversight, but progress has been slow despite continued political pressure from Greenlandic officials.

While the U.S. has the opportunity to establish additional bases through agreements with Greenland and Denmark, it has yet to capitalize on this potential.

Al Jazeera: Can you elaborate on the U.S. base located in Greenland?

Poppel: The U.S. established Thule Air Base in 1953 after forcibly relocating the region’s original inhabitants, the Inughuit, to facilitate the base’s construction.

Currently known as the Pituffik Space Base, it hosts early warning systems, space surveillance capabilities, and satellite command functions. At times, the civilian section of the base has offered employment opportunities to both Greenlandic and Danish workers.

Al Jazeera: Are you worried about the long-term climate implications?

Poppel: The increased extraction of fossil fuels by the U.S. could drive up CO2 emissions, leading to rising temperatures and accelerated ice melt.

Trump’s ambition for expanded oil and gas exports, coupled with rising shipping traffic, is likely to exacerbate climate challenges.

Marco Rubio’s remarks suggesting that fossil fuel transportation should primarily occur via northern routes and along Greenland’s west coast raises alarms about potential environmental disasters in the fragile Arctic ecosystem, posing significant risks to wildlife, especially marine mammals sensitive to noise pollution.