Hundreds of people protested the opening of a new US consulate in Nuuk on Thursday after comments by the US special envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, that it was time for Washington “to put its footprint back” on the Arctic territory. Many Greenlandic politicians, including Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said they would not attend the official opening.
Protesters carried Greenlandic flags and signs reading “USA Asu” (Stop USA) and shouted “Greenland belongs to Greenlanders” outside the parliament before chanting “go home” outside the consulate. The protest was organised by Aqqalukkuluk Fontain, 37, an IT account manager, who said: “It’s very important, now more than ever, to show the American people what we already said, that no means no, and that the future and self-determination of Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people.”
Landry arrived in Nuuk uninvited with a delegation including a doctor, who caused anger by saying he was there to “assess the medical needs of Greenland”. Landry briefly attended a business conference with the US ambassador to Denmark, Kenneth Lowery, and left on Wednesday night. During his visit, he told Agence France-Presse: “Greenland needs the US. I think that you’re seeing the president talk about increasing national security operations and repopulating certain bases in Greenland.”
Christian Keldsen, chief executive of the Greenland Business Association, said Landry did not get the reception he hoped for. “Three months ago Greenland was under threat of invasion and takeover and he [Landry] was one of the people supporting that statement. Then three months later you show up here wanting to make friends, handing out chocolate to children and trying to hand out Maga caps.”
Meanwhile, negotiations between the US, Greenland and Denmark continue, despite Denmark lacking a fully functioning government amid record-long coalition talks. Prime Minister Nielsen reiterated that Greenland is not for sale but said it was “obliged to find a solution” with the US. The US already had a consulate in Nuuk, but the move to new premises in a modern high-rise symbolises its growing presence.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to invade Greenland, citing national security. The US Northern Command said it was evaluating options to strengthen defence in Greenland, including “significant investment” at Pituffik base and possibly expanding to other sites such as Narsarsuaq.
