A new poll has revealed that nearly half of Denmark’s population perceives the United States as a significant threat to their country, while an overwhelming majority oppose the idea of Greenland becoming part of the US.
The survey, conducted by YouGov and shared exclusively with The Guardian, follows escalating tensions between Denmark, Greenland, and the US after Donald Trump reiterated his intentions to acquire the Arctic territory, which remains under Danish sovereignty.
Greenland, home to around 57,000 people, was formerly a Danish colony and still relies on Denmark for foreign affairs and security. Trump’s renewed interest in the island coincides with ongoing discussions about Greenland’s potential push for full independence.
The poll, conducted between January 15 and 22 with over 1,000 Danish respondents, found that 46% consider the US to be either a “very big threat” or a “fairly big threat” to Denmark. This perception surpasses concerns about North Korea and Iran, which 44% and 40% of respondents, respectively, viewed as threats. However, Russia remains the dominant concern, with 86% identifying it as a threat.
Regarding Greenland’s status, 78% of those surveyed opposed the idea of the island being sold to the US. However, 72% agreed that the decision should ultimately rest with Greenland rather than Denmark.
The poll results emerge as Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen tours Berlin, Paris, and Brussels to rally European support amid Trump’s Greenland ambitions. Following what was described as a “horrendous” phone conversation with the US president, Frederiksen emphasized the need for European unity.
“I want to ensure that all of Europe stands together. Not only in connection with the Kingdom of Denmark but also more broadly,” she stated. “Everyone in Europe can see that it will be a different collaboration with the USA now.”
Trump has argued that securing Greenland—along with the Panama Canal—is crucial for “economic security” and has labeled control of the territory an “absolute necessity.” His interest in acquiring Greenland is not new; in 2019, he confirmed that he had instructed aides to explore ways for the US to purchase it, calling such a move “essentially a large real estate deal.”
Beyond its strategic location, Greenland possesses vast reserves of oil, gas, and rare minerals critical to green technology, attracting interest from global players, including China.
A separate poll conducted earlier this week by Verian, commissioned by the Danish newspaper Berlingske, found that 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the US. Only 6% were in favor, while 9% remained undecided.
