Poll finds 70% disapproval of Trump’s Greenland push, including among Republicans

A recent poll conducted by The Associated Press–NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research has found broad opposition to US President Donald Trump’s efforts to assert American control over Greenland, with disapproval extending into his own party, as per reports.

The survey, carried out between February 5 and 8, reportedly indicated that around 70% of US adults disapprove of Trump’s handling of the Greenland issue. The territory is a semi-autonomous region of Denmark, a NATO ally of the United States. By contrast, only 24% of respondents said they approved of his approach.

The disapproval rate on Greenland is notably higher than that for Trump’s overall foreign policy, suggesting the issue could represent a political vulnerability for the administration.

As per reports, opinion among Republicans is divided. Roughly half of Republican respondents expressed disapproval of the proposal to incorporate the Arctic territory into the United States. This marks a significant departure from the party’s typically strong backing of the president on other major issues.

While around 70% of Republicans approve of Trump’s broader foreign policy stance, and more than 80% support his handling of the economy and immigration, approval drops sharply when it comes to Greenland.

Trump has argued that US control of Greenland is essential to counter perceived threats from Russia and China in the Arctic, despite the existing American military presence in the region. However, polling suggests limited public appetite for such a move. A January survey by the Pew Research Center also found Americans generally opposed to acquiring the territory, with Republicans split on the question.

The poll follows Trump’s recent decision to withdraw tariff measures aimed at pressuring European governments to support US control over Greenland. He has also stepped back from earlier suggestions that force could be used to seize the territory, stating that a framework for potential cooperation had been discussed with assistance from NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

The Greenland episode is one of several foreign policy moves in the past year that have strained relations with key Western allies. As leaders gather at the Munich Security Conference to address transatlantic tensions, domestic support for the president’s stance on Greenland remains limited.

Overall, Trump’s foreign policy approval rating stands at about 40% among US adults, a figure that has remained relatively stable in recent months. However, younger Republicans appear particularly sceptical. Around 60% of Republicans under the age of 45 disapprove of his handling of Greenland, compared with roughly 40% among older party members.