Greenlandic Olympian and Minister Condemn Trump's 'Crazy' Territorial Ambitions
In a striking display of national pride, Greenlandic biathlete Ukaleq Slettemark has unleashed a scathing critique of former US President Donald Trump, labelling him as 'crazy' in response to his renewed threats to acquire the vast Arctic territory. The controversy has erupted at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, where Slettemark is competing under the Danish flag, bringing Greenland into the global spotlight.
A Unified Front Against Acquisition
At the Anterselva Biathlon Arena, the 24-year-old athlete was joined by Greenland's Minister for Sport, Culture, and Education, Nivi Olsen, in a powerful assertion of sovereignty. Slettemark emphasised her role as a representative, stating: 'So of course, if there's only one Greenlandic person everyone knows, I'm happy to defend my country and show people who we are and where we are on the map.'
Minister Olsen did not hold back in her condemnation, releasing a forceful statement during the Games. She highlighted the challenges faced by Greenlanders, saying: 'Life is very difficult in Greenland. People are afraid. I think that Trump is crazy.' Olsen added, 'I know it is a tough thing to say, but you can't buy people, you can't buy a country, there are people who live in Greenland, Greenland is our home, so we can't understand Trump, we can't understand how he can do what he does.'
Hope and Solidarity Amidst Tension
Despite the fear, Olsen expressed optimism about the growing support from Denmark and increased global awareness. 'But also we have hope. I can see the hope in people. And we stand together. And we fight together for our country,' she said. 'Honestly, I feel like everything that happened has brought us all closer together, especially from the Danish side. We feel a lot more support. We feel people are getting more educated about Greenland and are actually interested in the wellbeing of Greenlanders. And also they are starting to see that Greenland is really very important strategically.'
The Slettemark Siblings: Carrying a Legacy
Ukaleq and her younger brother Sondre, aged 21, are the only two Greenlanders competing at the 2026 Games. Ukaleq, a former Youth World Champion who secured gold in the 10km individual event in 2019, recently finished 52nd in the women's 15km biathlon in Italy. Sondre made his Olympic debut after a strong performance at the 2025 World Championships, where he placed 69th in the individual race.
Both athletes were born in Nuuk but have trained extensively in Norway to excel in biathlon, a sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. They continue a family legacy, as their father Oystein represented Denmark at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Greenland's Political and Strategic Context
Greenland remains an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with a population of approximately 56,000, predominantly Greenlandic Inuit. While it manages its own domestic affairs, foreign policy and security are controlled by Copenhagen. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) only recognises independent sovereign states, preventing Greenland from competing under its own flag. Nonetheless, the Slettemarks are wearing bespoke suits featuring northern lights and traditional Inuit 'kakiorneq' tattoo patterns.
The island's strategic importance has surged recently due to its vast mineral resources and proximity to Arctic shipping lanes, drawing renewed interest from Washington and fueling Trump's acquisition threats. This has sparked a fierce defence of sovereignty from its athletes and leaders on the world stage.
