Pelosi: More Americans Think Elvis Is Alive Than Greenlanders Wanting to Join the U.S.
Key Takeaways:
- Rep. Nancy Pelosi compared the number of Americans who believe Elvis Presley is alive to Greenlanders interested in joining the U.S.
- She mentioned that only about 6% of Greenlanders want to become part of the U.S.
- Pelosi discussed U.S. interest in Greenland for resource and national security reasons.
- Greenland’s political parties are divided on independence from Denmark.
Pelosi’s Remark on Greenland and Elvis
During a discussion with Politico on Wednesday, California Rep. Nancy Pelosi made an unusual comparison. She said more Americans believe Elvis Presley is alive than Greenlanders who want to join the U.S.
Pelosi’s comment came after being asked if the U.S. might open more military bases in Greenland. She responded by saying, “It’s their territory. I’ve been to Greenland. We went because of the climate crisis.”
Pelosi noted that during her visit, scientists told her how quickly the Arctic ice was melting. She suggested that if the U.S. reached out to Greenland for cooperation on security and climate issues, it would have been a positive move.
The U.S. Interest in Greenland
The idea of the U.S. acquiring Greenland gained attention in January after President Donald Trump expressed interest in taking control of the territory, along with the Panama Canal.
Greenland is a territory of Denmark but has its own government. The U.S. is interested in Greenland for its natural resources and strategic location for national security.
However, Democrats, including Pelosi, have pushed back against this idea, calling it unrealistic. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the proposal is “not a joke.”
What Do Greenlanders Want?
Pelosi claimed only about 6% of Greenlanders want to become part of the U.S. She compared this to a 2002 poll where 8% of Americans believed Elvis Presley might still be alive.
In March, Greenland held elections, and five out of six political parties favored independence from Denmark. The pro-business Demokraatit Party received the most votes, while the Naleraq Party, which supports a faster split from Denmark, came in second.
Most political parties in Greenland want independence but disagree on how quickly it should happen.
Why Is Greenland Important?
Greenland is important for several reasons:
- Climate Change: It has critical insights into Arctic ice melting, which affects global climate policies.
- Natural Resources: Greenland has rare minerals and resources that could become more accessible as the ice melts.
- Strategic Location: Its location in the North Atlantic makes it valuable for military and trade purposes.
The Big Picture
Pelosi’s comments highlight the complex debate over U.S. involvement in Greenland. While some see strategic benefits, others doubt the plan’s seriousness. Meanwhile, Greenlanders are focusing on their own path to independence.
Whether Elvis is alive or not, one thing is clear: Greenland’s future is a topic of growing interest for the U.S. and the world.