US Researchers in Greenland Reject Trump’s Expansionist Ambitions
Over 200 US scientists have signed a letter in support of Greenland following recent statements and actions by the Trump Administration. (Photo from the Nuuk Fjord: Birgitte Annie Hansen / High North News)
Hundreds of US scientists who have worked on Greenland have signed a letter rejecting US President Donald Trump's push for control over Greenland. "We vehemently oppose President Trump’s aggressive stance regarding Greenland," the letter reads.
Last year, over 350 scientists signed a letter in support of Greenland following the U.S. Senate hearing on Greenland in February 2025. The hearing examined Greenland's strategic significance to the American economy and national security, focusing on the island's mineral resources and the potential threats from Russia and China in the Arctic.
Shortly after, over 1,900 scientists released a public statement in response to Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency's massive attack on science in the country. Mass firings, cuts in funding, and limitations on language and research fields led to strong reactions among US scientists.
This year, US scientists have yet again felt the need to protest against Donald Trump. This time, the letter has been signed by US researchers who have conducted research in Greenland.
Over 200 researchers have signed the letter, expressing support for Greenland's sovereignty and opposing any attempt to take over the territory.
Greenland is a scientific hub, attracting researchers from around the world, particularly in the natural sciences. As climate change continues to snowball, Greenland has served as a natural laboratory for Earth’s climate system, allowing scientists to reconstruct the past, monitor the present, and predict the future of Earth’s climate.
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"We are U.S.-based scientists who have conducted research in Kalaallit Nunaat / Greenland, and we write to express our solidarity and gratitude to Greenland’s people for years of friendship and partnership," the letter begins and continues:
"We vehemently oppose President Trump’s aggressive stance regarding Greenland, and reiterate – as Greenland’s leaders have clearly stated – that Greenland is not anyone’s to 'buy' or 'take.' Greenland belongs to its people," the open letter from US scientists read.
The letter continues to emphasize that Greenland deserves the world's attention as it occupies a key position both geopolitically and geophysically, but that Greenland's natural resources belong to Greenland and its population.
The scientists acknowledge that scientific research also has a colonial history in Greenland and pledge to be good partners, guided by Greenland's researchers and by honoring Greenland's National Research Strategy.
"To Americans and our senators and representatives in Washington, D.C.: Please join us in vocally supporting Greenland’s right to self-governance, towards a future of peaceful, productive engagement between allies," the letter concludes.
