Darkness Descends on Greenland’s Capital Amid Trump Military Takeover Concerns

A power outage has plunged Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, into darkness, causing unease among residents already concerned about a potential U.S. military takeover. On January 24, 2026, locals reported widespread blackouts that affected all homes in the area. The cause of the outage remains unknown, although no direct connections to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats regarding Greenland have been established.

Residents’ Reactions to the Blackout

Nuuk residents took to social media to express their concerns. Orla Joelson, a local, shared images of her darkened home and noted the complete loss of electricity and heating. Other residents echoed similar sentiments of fear and uncertainty.

• “That’s a little scary…” one resident commented.
• Another inquired about updates, reflecting a collective anxiety.
• Concerns about political parallels were raised, with references to Venezuela’s recent upheaval.

Political Tensions Surrounding Greenland

The blackout comes amidst growing fears of U.S. intentions in Greenland. Questions have surfaced regarding whether the territory, a largely self-governing part of the Danish kingdom, could face military occupation.

In response to these concerns, protests erupted in Copenhagen, with thousands demonstrating against Trump’s perceived threats. Julie Rademacher of Uagut, a national organization for Greenlandic people in Denmark, expressed disbelief at such actions from a close ally.

Government Statements

Greenland’s Mineral Resources Minister, Naaja Nathanielsen, firmly rejected any U.S. attempts to acquire the island’s resources. She emphasized that any decision regarding Greenland’s natural wealth should be made internally.

• “Everything is on the table except our sovereignty,” Nathanielsen stated.
• She reaffirmed that discussions regarding resource development must involve Greenland’s government.

Despite ongoing dialogues, Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on European countries for not conceding control over Greenland have also raised alarms. Following discussions with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump appeared to soften his stance on the territory’s acquisition.

Future Developments

While Nathanielsen indicated a willingness to collaborate on developing Greenland’s mining sector, she reiterated that sovereignty should never be up for negotiation. The interplay of local reactions and international relations continues to shape the narrative around Greenland’s future.