Hundreds of residents gathered in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, on Friday to protest against renewed United States efforts to expand influence over the Arctic territory, as Washington opened a new consulate in the region.
The demonstration coincided with a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, amid ongoing diplomatic friction over repeated U.S. calls for closer control over the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Protesters marched through the city chanting “Greenland is for Greenlanders,” before later standing in silence with their backs turned toward the newly inaugurated U.S. consulate building.
“Our government already told Donald Trump and his administration that Greenland is not for sale,” said protest organiser Aqqalukkuluk Fontain.
“Our message is for the American people and to the rest of the world… That in a democratic world, no means no,” he added.
Some demonstrators said the timing of Landry’s visit, which they claimed was not officially invited, had deepened unease over Washington’s intentions.
“It’s so important to show this is not okay,” said protester Inge Bisgaard, adding that many citizens remain concerned after Trump renewed suggestions earlier in the year that the United States should “own” Greenland.
The newly opened 3,000-square-metre diplomatic mission, informally nicknamed “Trump Towers” by some locals, represents a significant expansion of US presence in Nuuk.
During the opening ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Kenneth Howery said Washington was seeking stronger cooperation with Greenland.
“The Arctic is clearly a region of global importance,” Howery said.
“We will always be neighbours and be with you into whatever future you choose as allies and partners.”
However, several Greenlandic political leaders stayed away from the event. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen declined attendance, while Member of Parliament Naaja Nathanielsen also refused the invitation, citing concerns over sovereignty.
During his visit, Jeff Landry met with selected Greenlandic officials and business representatives in discussions aimed at strengthening economic and strategic cooperation with the United States.
Speaking to local newspaper Sermitsiaq, Landry said Greenland could achieve stronger economic performance as an independent nation.
“I think Greenland could have an equally good or even better economy as an independent country,” he said.
However, when questioned on whether Washington would fully respect Greenland’s sovereignty concerns, he responded: “There is only one line for us. It is red, white and blue.”
President Donald Trump has repeatedly stressed Greenland’s strategic importance to U.S. national security, particularly as global competition intensifies in the Arctic involving Russia and China.
A joint working group involving US and Greenlandic officials is currently reviewing proposals for expanded American military presence on the island, though no agreement has been reached.
