As President Trump steps up pressure on Greenland, a new Quinnipiac University poll reveals that the vast majority of Americans reject the idea of taking the Arctic island by force.
According to the survey, 86 percent of respondents are against using military force to acquire Greenland, while just 9 percent support such a move. Meanwhile, 55 percent of Americans oppose attempting to purchase the territory, compared with 37 percent in favor.
Trump has repeatedly signaled his interest in acquiring the mineral-rich island during his second term, claiming that “anything less” than U.S. control would be “unacceptable” and that “NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES.”
Donald J. Trump Truth Social Post 06:39 AM EST 01.14.26
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) January 14, 2026
The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DON’T, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS…
The proposal has drawn sharp rebukes from Danish officials and other European leaders. The Danish Defense Ministry announced an increased presence of aircraft, naval vessels, and soldiers around Greenland, supported by NATO allies, as tensions escalate. Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also emphasized that his people would choose remaining part of Denmark over joining the U.S. if given the option.
Despite the overwhelming public opposition, Trump dismissed the poll results, telling reporters, “That’s their problem. I disagree with them. I don’t know who he is. Don’t know anything about him, but that’s going to be a big problem for him.”
President Trump responds to Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the Premier of Greenland, saying "we prefer to stay with Denmark":
— The American Conservative (@amconmag) January 13, 2026
"Well, that's their problem. I disagree with him. I don't know who he is. Don't know anything about him. But that's gonna be a big problem for him." pic.twitter.com/f6F7QNDOIm
On the diplomatic front, Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Wednesday with Greenlandic and Danish foreign ministers Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Vivian Motzfeldt to discuss the escalating situation.
The Quinnipiac poll surveyed 1,133 registered voters by phone between January 8 and 12, with a margin of error of 3.7 percentage points.
