We sit down with Kuno Fencker, Member of Parliament from Greenland and member of the pro-independence party Naleraq, to unpack President Donald Trump’s comments about Greenland and what they actually mean in geopolitical reality.
We explore whether Trump’s statements signal a serious push for US control, expanded military presence, or something else entirely. Fencker explains why outright annexation is highly unlikely, while outlining more realistic scenarios such as expanded defence cooperation, increased US security responsibilities, or even a Compact of Free Association similar to arrangements the US has with other strategic territories. Fencker argues that Denmark lacks the capacity and urgency to adequately secure Greenland’s vast territory, creating a potential security vacuum that the United States may be willing and able to fill.
Beyond security, we also examine Greenland’s push for sovereignty, its complex relationship with Denmark, and the economic realities of independence. Topics include rare earth minerals, oil and gas potential, poverty, Danish subsidies, and whether Greenland could realistically sustain itself while relying on international security guarantees. Finally, we discuss how ordinary Greenlanders feel about US interest, independence, and even hypothetical offers of American citizenship
