It clearly has been uncomfortable for the American senators and congressmen to move around Copenhagen and experience the anger, frustration and anxiety directed at the United States at this time.
- The conversations we have had with the Greenlanders managers about how anxious their children are, how unhappy and insecure all the Greenlandic people are. This is one of the things that has affected me the most about this visit.
This is what Democratic Senator Chris Coons says during an interview with Sermitsiaq, which is held together with the Republican Senator in Alaska, Lisa Murkowski, who has been to Greenland several times and who is close friends with Member of Parliament for Inuit Ataqatigiit Aaja Chemnitz.
- A few months ago there was a demonstration in Nuuk against the USA. It was the largest demonstration in Greenland history. And then against an American president. It is deeply disturbing. And to know that there have now again been demonstrations in Nuuk against the USA. It worries me a lot, says Lisa Murkowski.
Respect for Danish soldiers
Chris Coons nods and adds:
- Earlier today we went to show our respect at the memorial at Kastellet for the Danes soldiers who have served with American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan and many other places in the world. And it was a very emotional visit for all of us delegation, because it was also a reminder of how good and loyal our allies in the Kingdom of Denmark have been for decades. That our president now can cause people to take to the streets and protest against the United States. This is really something I am very concerned about.
There is too much at stake
According to the two senators, however, the game is far from lost for Greenland and Denmark. Because Congress still has power, and so does the American population, who until now have not paid much attention to the Greenland issue.
So to speak, it has not been "top of mind" in the USA, where it has instead been about Venezuela, Columbia, Cuba and Iran. But that is changing now, they both emphasize. In addition, many Americans have experienced that perhaps taking over Greenland was not so seriously intended.
- But as more and more messages have come from the White House, more people have also started to ask if it is actually meant seriously and not just loose talk, says Murkowski, who believes that President Trump's desire to take over Greenland is so serious that it should be reacted to, regardless of which party you belong to.
- This transcends party politics. There is too much at stake, she says.
Power in Congress and population
According to the two senators, Congress has as much power as the president.
In addition, there is the power of the population, which should not be underestimated. Murkowski refers to an opinion poll that shows that 75 percent of the American population says a resounding no to the US acquiring Greenland.
- It rubs off on the politicians, who after all respond to voters' needs. I think most Americans would say there isn't any reason to acquire or control Greenland, when you are already working together with Denmark and other partners on security in the Arctic. In addition, the Kingdom of Denmark is willing to do even more jointly to increase security. That collaboration needs to be fostered, rather than any other construct, says Murkowski.
The US has underinvested in the Arctic
According to Coons, the US has underinvested in Arctic security in Alaska and in the US-Canadian partnership for many years and does not have the capabilities to increase security on its own.
- The US has woefully underinvested in the Arctic. We have half an icebreaker. So let's work together with NATO and our Nordic partners on a concrete strategy for how to invest in increasing Arctic security and Greenland's security. Finland knows a lot more about how to operate in the Arctic than the US does. They have actually fought in the Arctic and they have a 1280 kilometer long border with Russia. We should humbly consult our partners in the Arctic and find a way forward, says Coons.
A rebellion is on the way
Lisa Murkowski adds that the Arctic Council should also be mentioned in this connection, as it is here that for years they have cooperated and supported each other in Arctic issues.
The two senators have no doubt that there will be a revolt in the US against the president's desire to take over Greenland.
- I hope that there will be resounding support for Greenland and Denmark in the coming time, says Lisa Murkowski.
