[In] interviews by Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa (KNR) on Wednesday...some of those questioned described Trump’s interest as “dangerous” and “worrying,” others suggested they might “have more trust in Trump” and “choose the USA.”
The interviews...came...amid a widely publicized trip to the island by Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.
Some residents canvassed by KNR criticized Trump Sr.’s comments, saying they would prefer the island to remain under Danish control.
“I see Donald Trump’s interest in Greenland as very dangerous,” said Greenlander Jens Danielsen.
‘Maybe I would have more trust in Trump’
But others canvassed by KNR appeared more open to Trump’s overtures.
“Everything is just getting more and more expensive here. Goods from Denmark are extremely expensive, so of course the USA seems more attractive,” cleaning assistant Karen Kielsen said.
Others saw the debate in light of the island’s independence movement.
Student Imaakka Boassen said, “I don’t completely trust the Danes. Maybe I would have more trust in Trump.”
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Debate has also been stirred by the visit of Trump Jr. – who arrived in Greenland Tuesday on what Danish officials said was “not an official American visit” – and was pictured being greeted by crowds wearing hats bearing his father’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) slogan.
Speaking to CNN’s Erin Burnett on Tuesday, Greenlandic member of Denmark’s parliament Aaja Chemnitz insisted those images were not representative of the wider community and claimed some residents were talking of leaving Greenland if Trump’s ambitions were realized.
While there may be no easy way to gauge what the majority of Greenland’s residents think about Trump’s ideas, Chemnitz suggested a referendum on Greenlandic independence could be held in future, and that closer collaboration with the US on business, defense, raw materials and tourism could come about as a result.
