When the Inatsisartut election was held on March 11, 2025, the whole world's eyes were turned towards Greenland due to the US president's repeated interest.
Now a new analysis shows that the digital conversation leading up to the election was largely shaped by the outside world.
This is according to Nordic Safe Cities, which is behind the study.
They have mapped polarization and influence on Facebook in Greenland in the period 1 August 2024 to 31 July 2025.
The analysis concludes that the USA and especially President Donald Trump succeeded in influencing what was talked about in Greenland leading up to the election.
Since December 2024, the number of American posts increased significantly, and the conversation about the USA quickly became one of the most dominant topics in Greenland. This left less room to discuss domestic political agendas, including welfare and the cost of living.
However, there is some evidence that the increased attention to the USA has not been to Donald Trump's advantage.
- If we think that the purpose of the Americans was to influence the Greenlandic population in a positive direction, in relation to the USA annexing the country, then they were wrong. Because when we look at the total amount of reactions to these statements, they primarily triggered anger directed at the USA and Trump, says Jeppe Albers, founder and CEO, Nordic Safe Cities, in the press release.
Individuals become lightning rods
While there is generally great agreement that Greenland should become independent at some point, there is great disagreement about which partners to enter into new agreements with.
That is why there is great anger and polarization in the debate when it concerns the USA, the analysis shows.
It points out that people like Jørgen Boassen and KunoFencker, who are positive towards the USA, attract great anger and become a kind of lightning rod in the debate.
The debate about these individuals is so polarized that it can hardly be called a debate anymore.
The population agrees that Greenland cannot be bought, and therefore, it has not succeeded in creating great support for the USA, but rather distance and anger, especially towards Trump and his supporters.
According to the report, precisely this dynamic poses the greatest risk for internal polarization.
Also great anger towards Denmark
The topics in the public debate that create the most polarization almost always contain an element of Greenland's relationship with the outside world.
The report shows that both the USA and Denmark function as points of conflict.
Shortly before the election, a documentary was released on DR about a cryolite mine in the USA. The documentary, titled “Greenland’s White Gold”, created great anger directed at Denmark. According to the report, the cryolite issue is the most polarizing topic measured by interactions per post.
While the anger is primarily directed at Denmark, polarization is occurring among the population of Greenland when it comes to how to handle the relationship with Denmark going forward.
The report from Nordic Sage Cities is part of the “Digital Unity” initiative with the aim of strengthening Greenland’s democratic resilience in a time characterized by increased geopolitical pressure and digital influence.
- Nordic Safe Cities continues to work to support and strengthen the role of Greenlandic media, civil society and authorities in safeguarding unity and a safe, robust and free democracy in Greenland in a turbulent time – through knowledge, cooperation and joint investments with Nordic and European partners, says Jeppe Albers.
