CNN 5 Things One Thing: ‘We Do Not Want to Become Americans’: Greenlanders on Trump’s Threats
Jan 18, 2026
Nic Robertson, CNN's International Diplomatic Editor, offers a compelling on-the-ground look at Greenland's reaction to President Trump's threats to take control of the island. He explores the historical context of U.S. interest and how recent remarks have shifted local sentiments from laughter to concern. Robertson highlights Greenlanders' deep-rooted fears of losing their identity and autonomy, emphasizing their rejection of American-style governance. The discussion also reveals cultural clashes and unique challenges that would arise from a potential takeover.
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Greenland's Strategic But Autonomous Status
- Greenland is vast in land but tiny in population and is an autonomous territory of Denmark with its own government.
- President Trump's desire to make it a U.S. territory would upend that autonomy and raise major geopolitical issues.
Historical Precedent Behind The Push
- The U.S. has long eyed Greenland for strategic reasons and previously offered to buy it, most notably Truman's 1946 $100 million gold offer.
- Trump's renewed threats echo that history but face firm Danish rejection and European pushback.
Security And Resource Narrative Clash
- Trump frames Greenland mainly in national-security and resource terms, warning of Russian and Chinese presence and stressing rare-earth mining potential.
- Greenlanders and Danish officials counter that U.S. access already exists under a 1951 treaty and they don't perceive the urgent threat Trump describes.