Nick Shirley video on Greenland resurfaces amid Trump’s renewed push

NUUK, GREENLAND: An old video by independent journalist and YouTuber Nick Shirley has resurfaced and is circulating widely on social media. In the video, Shirley interviews residents in Greenland’s capital about their opinions on the island potentially becoming part of the United States.

The clip gained renewed attention after President Donald Trump recently said the United States needs to “own” Greenland to prevent Russia and China from expanding their influence in the Arctic region.

Nick Shirley interviews Greenland residents about joining the United States

Shirley uploaded the video to his YouTube channel on January 15, 2025, under the title 'Asking Greenlanders About Becoming Part of The United States.' In the 18-minute clip, he approaches residents across Nuuk following Trump’s earlier remarks about making Greenland part of the United States.

In one exchange, Shirley asks a resident, “What do you think about the United States buying Greenland?” The individual expresses frustration with Danish rule, saying, “No more Danish.” When asked why they feel this way, the person calls Danish authorities “liars.”

Another resident responds positively when asked if Greenland joining the United States would be a “good or bad idea,” saying, “I think it’s okay, it’s good.” Later, a small group rejects a hypothetical US purchase for $20,000 per person, saying, “I will not say yes for money. I will choose Greenland. We live in Greenland, you cannot buy this.” When the offer is increased to $100,000 per citizen, one resident replies, “Money is money.”

Shirley also asks about Trump and US involvement, with one person responding, “Well, I don't know about buying, but I believe that there should be a better relationship with America.” On Greenlandic independence, a resident says, “I believe that someday we should have independence.”

Donald Trump renews push for Greenland acquisition

Since taking office in 2025, Trump has repeatedly suggested the possibility of annexing or controlling Greenland, despite Greenlandic authorities insisting the island’s future is its own decision.

Trump had floated the idea of purchasing Greenland during his first term. Since returning to office, he stated that “the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity” for the United States.

Speaking to reporters on January 9, 2026, he said, “Countries have to have ownership and you defend ownership, you don't defend leases. And we'll have to defend Greenland,” adding the US would pursue the matter “the easy way” or “the hard way.”

The White House has said it is considering the possibility of buying the territory from Denmark while also declining to rule out annexation by force.