Nearly half of the Danish population perceives the United States as a significant threat to Denmark, according to a survey conducted by the research firm YouGov and reported by The Guardian.
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This sentiment arises in the context of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s expressed interest in gaining control over Greenland. The survey, conducted from January 15 to 22 among over 1,000 Danish citizens, revealed that 46% of respondents view the U.S. as either a “very large” or a “rather large” threat to Denmark. In comparison, only 44% and 40% of Danes see North Korea and Iran, respectively, as threats to their country.
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The survey also highlighted strong opposition to the potential sale of Greenland to the U.S., with 78% of respondents rejecting the idea. Additionally, 72% of Danes believe that any decision regarding Greenland’s future should be made by Greenland itself, rather than Denmark.
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Trump’s interest in Greenland dates back to his presidency. On January 7, 2025, he reiterated the strategic importance of Greenland for U.S. national security and the protection of the “free world,” particularly against China and Russia. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, firmly stated that the island is not for sale and never will be. Despite this, Trump declined to rule out the use of military force to establish control over Greenland.
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Greenland, which was a Danish colony until 1953, remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark but gained autonomy in 2009, allowing it to govern its domestic affairs independently. In 2019, media reports surfaced suggesting that Trump was considering the possibility of purchasing Greenland, sparking widespread debate and concern. In late 2024, Trump reaffirmed his belief that U.S. ownership of Greenland is an “absolute necessity,” a statement he made while appointing a new U.S. ambassador to Sweden, Ken Howery, who had previously served as the U.S. ambassador to the European Union.
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The survey results underscore the complex dynamics between Denmark, Greenland, and the United States, reflecting both historical ties and contemporary geopolitical tensions. No margin of error was provided for the survey data.
