Three in Four Americans Oppose Greenland Takeover as Sanders Asks: Will We Get Free Healthcare Too?
Bernie Sanders' viral post highlights what Greenlanders would lose under American rule. Polling shows overwhelming opposition to military force, with even most Republicans against invading an ally.
Senator Bernie Sanders has asked whether Americans would receive free healthcare, free education, and 52 weeks of paid parental leave if the United States seizes Greenland from Denmark. The viral post has reignited debate about what Greenlanders would lose and what Americans apparently do not want to gain.
What Greenlanders Already Have
Sanders' question struck a nerve. Denmark's welfare system provides Greenland residents with universal healthcare at no cost, free education from primary school through university, a minimum wage of approximately $20 per hour, five weeks of paid vacation, and up to 52 weeks of paid parental leave.
The Danish system is funded through high taxes. The average Danish citizen pays 46 percent of their income in taxes. Yet 88 percent of Danes report being happy to pay, according to Gallup surveys. Denmark consistently ranks among the happiest nations on Earth.
For Greenland's 57,000 residents, these benefits come through their status as Danish citizens. Approximately 43 percent of Greenlanders work for the government, compared to 15 percent in the United States.
Americans Do Not Want This
Three-quarters of Americans oppose their country attempting to take control of Greenland, according to a CNN poll. Only 17 percent approve of acquisition efforts.
The opposition to military force is overwhelming. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found 71 percent of Americans say using military force would be a bad idea. Only 4 percent think it would be good.
Even among Republicans, support is divided. Fifty percent support the acquisition while fifty percent oppose it, according to YouGov. Among Democrats, 94 percent oppose.
Two in three Americans say they are concerned that efforts to acquire Greenland will damage the NATO alliance and relationships with European allies. Majorities view both Greenland and Denmark as allies or friendly to the United States.
Americans Speaking Out
Some Americans have taken to social media to distance themselves from their government's position. One poster addressed the EU directly: "Do not cave. Protect Greenland. Sincerely, Americans who didn't ask for this."
Another wrote: "I am an American. I love my country. But today I side with the people of Denmark, Greenland and the European Union over this insane, immoral, corrupt, treasonous and vile President of the United States."
The sentiment reflects the polling data. ABC News reported that 86 percent of voters, including 68 percent of Republicans, oppose taking Greenland by military force.
Canada Pledges Support
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that Canada would militarily support Greenland's defence should the United States attempt an invasion. In a statement, Carney said Canada is "concerned" about American "escalation" on Greenland.
Carney is weighing whether to send soldiers to Greenland for military exercises with NATO allies, according to CBC News. A Royal Canadian Air Force contingent is already participating in a pre-planned NORAD exercise there.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Carney said Greenland would be a test of the NATO alliance. "I think clearly NATO is experiencing a test right now," he said. The response, he argued, should be to bolster Arctic security through joint investment.
The Benefits Gap
The irony has not been lost on observers. Fortune noted that if Trump took control of Greenland, he would have to build a welfare state "that he doesn't want for his own citizens."
Sanders has posted repeatedly on the theme. In an earlier tweet, he wrote: "Instead of stealing Greenland from Denmark, let's steal some of their policies."
This comes as America's traditional allies flee toward EU defence initiatives, with Japan, Australia, South Korea, and New Zealand applying to join the EU's SAFE programme after Washington's threats against Denmark exposed the unreliability of American partnership.
Replies to Sanders' post were divided along predictable lines. Some called the comparison irrelevant, noting Denmark's higher taxes. Others pointed out that the question misses the point entirely.
One reply captured a view shared by many: "The short answer is no. If the United States were to acquire Greenland, the flow of policy would almost certainly move in the opposite direction. Rather than 330 million Americans gaining Danish social benefits, the 57,000 residents of Greenland would likely lose theirs."
January 21, 2026