In a recent speech, President Trump expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, but local leaders emphasize their independence and ability to shape their own future.
Trump's Greenland Aspirations: Local Leaders Unmoved by Promises of Riches
Trump's Greenland Aspirations: Local Leaders Unmoved by Promises of Riches
Despite President Trump's declaration to "make Greenland rich," local political leaders assert their sovereignty.
March 5, 2025, 2:31 p.m. ET - President Trump took to the podium on Tuesday night to address what he called the “incredible people of Greenland,” in an attempt to garner support for his long-standing ambition to acquire the vast Arctic island. During a session with Congress, Trump claimed, "We will make you rich," sending ripples of applause and confusion through the legislative hall, but back in Greenland, reaction was far from enthusiastic.
Leader of one of Greenland's major political parties, Pele Broberg, offered a blunt retort: "It is up to us whether we become rich." His statement resonated with many locals who do not see themselves as needing a benefactor but rather as individuals capable of determining their own economic destiny.
This was the first occasion where Trump directly addressed Greenlanders during a congressional speech. He reiterated his opinion that while the population might be small—around 56,000—it represented a significant territory of great importance, particularly for U.S. military strategy. "It’s a very small population but very, very large piece of land, and very, very important for military security," Trump explained.
Despite ongoing discussions surrounding the potential acquisition of Greenland—something Trump has been vocal about since his first term—Greenland's leaders remain focused on their self-determination as a nation, rather than being drawn into promises of prosperity from afar. Uncertain what the future holds, Greenland will continue to forge its own path, regardless of external insistences on wealth and acquisition.
Leader of one of Greenland's major political parties, Pele Broberg, offered a blunt retort: "It is up to us whether we become rich." His statement resonated with many locals who do not see themselves as needing a benefactor but rather as individuals capable of determining their own economic destiny.
This was the first occasion where Trump directly addressed Greenlanders during a congressional speech. He reiterated his opinion that while the population might be small—around 56,000—it represented a significant territory of great importance, particularly for U.S. military strategy. "It’s a very small population but very, very large piece of land, and very, very important for military security," Trump explained.
Despite ongoing discussions surrounding the potential acquisition of Greenland—something Trump has been vocal about since his first term—Greenland's leaders remain focused on their self-determination as a nation, rather than being drawn into promises of prosperity from afar. Uncertain what the future holds, Greenland will continue to forge its own path, regardless of external insistences on wealth and acquisition.
