Greenland is currently an autonomous, self-governing country within the Kingdom of Denmark. It works with many domestic affairs that include providing education, health and natural resource development. According to BBC News, recently U.S President Donald Trump has been “discussing a range of options to acquire Greenland, including use of the military.”

This idea has received many controversial views. The statement came hours after European leaders issued a joint statement rallying behind Denmark, which has been pushing back against Trump’s ambitions for the Arctic island.

The American view on this situation is mixed, but with Trump emphasizing the use of strategic and national security interests, which views Greenland as crucial for the Arctic, a growing geopolitical hotspot, to maintain dominance against China and Russia. While there are ideas of military options, the primary interest rests in controlling resources, military positioning and deterring adversaries, although public support for expansion is low.

On Sunday, Trump told The Atlantic that the island is “surrounded by Russian and Chinese ships.” The island is also known to be rich in natural resources that include natural gas, oil and minerals that are used in technology and military
applications, which have been the center of a trade war between the U.S and China. I believe that if we included them as a state in our country, it would benefit and give us stronger allies, but it would feel weird to have another state. This would also help us reduce the amount of potential conflicts with either Russia or China, since they are more developed in making more powerful weapons. Personally, I wouldn’t want a nuke dropped on my country.

Despite all of the positive effects of this, Greenland has a different opinion. According to an early 2025 poll, an overwhelming rejection was shown by the fact that 85% of Greenlanders do not want to join the United States. Greenland occupants favor the eventual independence from Denmark, but not by joining the U.S or sacrificing their welfare system, which consists of the enjoyment of free healthcare and education. According to the poll, nearly half of the population has viewed recent U.S interest as a threat, not an opportunity.

There is a strong sense of distinct identity and a desire to avoid being “bought” or recolonized. In essence, Greenlanders value their relationship with Denmark as a stepping stone to self-governance, rejecting the idea of becoming a U.S. state
to protect their unique culture and welfare benefits.

Overall, I believe that having Greenland become a state would be good for us socially, helping us gain a new ally and access to more natural resources. But it is up to Greenland, because it is their home after all.