Is Trump Eyeing Greenland? The Neocolonial Expansionism That Alarms Denmark and the Inuit People

Original article: ¿Ahora van por Groenlandia? La escalada expansionista neocolonial de Trump que alerta a Dinamarca y al Pueblo Inuit

Denmark Demands Respect Amid Ongoing U.S. Threats: The Cold War Over Greenland and the Inuit People at a Crossroads

U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited his interest in the annexation of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, raising neocolonial concerns. During a news conference reported by DW on December 23, 2025, Trump insisted that the United States needs the island for «national security reasons,» refusing to rule out the use of force to achieve this end. His appointment of a special envoy to address the matter provoked immediate outrage from Denmark, as noted by the same source.

This diplomatic offensive has been accompanied by symbolic gestures that have escalated tensions. On January 4, 2026, international agencies reported that Katie Miller, the wife of a senior Trump adviser, shared an image of Greenland with the colors of the U.S. flag and the caption «Soon».

The Danish ambassador in Washington responded by demanding «full respect» for the territorial integrity of his kingdom, reflecting the deep concern of a NATO and EU ally.

Beyond the political conflict, Greenland holds increasing geopolitical value. An analysis by the LISA Institute highlights that its accelerated melting, with extreme events such as the loss of 8.5 million tons of ice in a single day in July 2021, is revealing vast resources. The island contains nearly 38% of the world’s untapped rare earth reserves outside of China, critical minerals for energy transition and advanced technology.

Additionally, its strategic position in the Arctic is crucial. The same analysis notes that melting ice is opening new maritime routes, reducing transit times between continents while attracting the attention of powers such as China and Russia. This, coupled with its immense freshwater reserves, positions Greenland as a «global strategic epicenter,» explaining the external greed despite firm opposition from Copenhagen and Nuuk.

The Inuit People

However, Greenland’s fate is deeply intertwined with that of its indigenous people. The Inuit constitute between 89% and 90% of Greenland’s population, maintaining their ancient heritage.

Despite facing contemporary challenges and Danish influence, the Inuit possess ancestral knowledge of the Arctic environment and are fighting to preserve their cultural identity.

Their self-determined future, from remote settlements to the capital Nuuk, is central to their opposition to any annexation. As stated jointly by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen on December 22, 2025, as cited by DW: «The island belongs to its inhabitants.»