In a visit to Nuuk this September, Alaska’s Senator Lisa Murkowski sparked conversation when she declared that Donald Trump is a friend to Greenland, a sentiment she conveyed during an interview with KNR.
Despite her affiliation with the Republican Party and her alignment with the President, Murkowski surprised many by voting alongside her Democratic colleagues last Thursday. The vote aimed to uphold a significant 1973 law that requires congressional approval before the President can deploy military force against another nation. The final tally in the Senate stood at 52 in favor and 47 against. However, to become law, the measure must face another round of scrutiny in the House of Representatives—where Republicans hold the majority—and ultimately receive the President’s signature.
This week, Senator Murkowski is embarking on a trip to Denmark with several colleagues, a visit precipitated by her recent discussions with Greenlandic politician Aaja Chemnitz (IA). Interestingly, Murkowski has sidestepped interviews regarding the US-Greenland relationship, instead directing attention to her remarks on the Senate floor. In those statements, she expressed her support for the Greenlandic government while recommending that an agreement on Free Association be pursued, should Greenland wish to explore that option.
A Time to Focus on Friendship, Not Takeovers
Murkowski opened her Senate speech with a clear message: deliberations about any form of takeover of Greenland are not only unwarranted but counterproductive. “I never thought I would have to address this issue in the Senate,” she remarked before adding, “If there is one thing we should not occupy our time with, it is any attempt to take over Greenland—be it through force, coercion, or threats.”
Echoing sentiments expressed by Jens-Frederik Nielsen (D), the chairman of Naalakkersuisut, she emphasized that such intimidating tactics have no place among allies. “Greenland’s future should be determined by its own people,” she asserted, challenging her fellow Americans to take that mandate seriously.
The Possibility of Free Association
Media speculation, including reports from The Economist, has suggested that the United States may be crafting a Compact of Free Association with Greenland. Kuno Fencker (N) has expressed optimism that this agreement would surpass the existing Self-Government Act.
Murkowski remarked, “Discussions of a Compact of Free Association have surfaced between Greenland and Denmark, and I believe it merits consideration if they are interested.” However, she was quick to clarify that any such arrangement must be voluntary. “We cannot impose anything on the Greenlanders,” she stated, advocating instead for a respectful negotiation process that includes both Greenland and Denmark.
The senator reminded her audience of the core principle embedded in Greenland’s foreign strategy: “Nothing about us without us.” According to Murkowski, current conversations about Greenland are often conducted without inclusivity, highlighting a need for a more respectful dialogue.
Reflections on Her Meeting with Jens-Frederik Nielsen
Murkowski’s visit to Nuuk proved significant; during her time there, she met with Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who posed an essential question: what does the United States seek from Greenland? Is it purely about securing critical minerals or matters of national security? The senator emphasized the importance of being able to discuss these issues openly with allies, noting, “We should be able to engage on these topics.”
Echoing the sentiments of Naalakkersuisut, Murkowski is calling for a renewed dialogue between the US and Greenland, one built on mutual respect and understanding. “I advocate for a reset in our approach to these conversations,” she concluded, marking a hopeful shift in the dynamics of this critical relationship.