Björk Stands With Greenland Amid Trump’s Annexation Threat: “Colonialism Gives Me Horror Chills”

Icelandic icon Björk voices powerful support for Greenland’s independence in the face of U.S. annexation talks, highlighting the haunting shadows of colonialism.

A Fierce Voice for Greenland’s Independence

When news broke that former U.S. President Donald Trump flirted with the idea of annexing Greenland, a vast and sparsely populated island with a unique identity, the global reaction ranged from shock to outright rejection. But among the voices rising in opposition, Icelandic singer Björk’s stood out—not just for her fame, but for her heartfelt message rooted in personal and historical resonance.

Björk speaking out against colonialism and for Greenland’s independence

Trump’s reasoning? Strategic military importance. He claimed that the U.S. “needs Greenland from the standpoint of national security.” But this notion was firmly dismissed by Greenland’s own Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen, who called the idea a “fantasy” and bluntly told Trump, “that’s enough now.” Meanwhile, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reminded the world that Trump has “no right to annex any of the three nations in the Danish kingdom.”

Greenland has enjoyed a degree of self-governance since the late 1970s, with about 57,000 people calling it home. However, Denmark still handles Greenland’s foreign policy and defense. It’s this tug-of-war between autonomy and control that Björk passionately weighed in on.

Björk’s Personal and Political Standpoint

“I wish all Greenlanders blessing in their fight for independence,” Björk shared on social media, drawing from her own homeland’s turbulent history with Denmark. Iceland gained its independence in 1944, a moment Björk says still fills her with relief. “We didn’t lose our language (my children would be speaking Danish now), and I burst with sympathy for Greenlanders.”

Her message wasn’t just a shout of support—it was a warning steeped in painful history. She referenced the scandal of “forced contraception” in Greenland during the mid-1960s and early ’70s, a dark chapter that deeply scars the country’s collective memory.

“Colonialism has repeatedly given me horror chills up my back, and the chance that my fellow Greenlanders might go from one cruel colonizer to another is too brutal to even imagine.” – Björk

The Icelandic phrase she dropped, “Úr öskunni í eldinn” (“from the ashes into the fire”), summed up the dread that Greenland could slip from one form of oppression into another.

Her concluding rally cry was clear and heartfelt: “Dear Greenlanders, declare independence! Sympathetic wishes from your neighbors.”

The Broader Political Storm

Trump’s annexation talk came amid heightened global tensions, including a major U.S. military operation in Venezuela, where the U.S. controversially dealt with the country’s leadership. This backdrop made the Greenland proposal feel even more like a bold geopolitical play rather than mere speculation.

Not just Greenland and Denmark, but the UK’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also rejected Trump’s ideas, insisting that the destiny of Greenland belongs solely to its people and Denmark.

The European Union echoed this sentiment, with a spokesperson firmly stating that the EU did not share the U.S. president’s view that it “needs” Greenland under American control.

Björk’s History of Political Outspokenness

Björk isn’t new to mixing music with activism. Over the years, she has consistently used her platform to highlight political struggles and territorial disputes. Back in 2008, she took a stand on Tibet during a visit to China, and the same year she voiced support for Kosovo’s independence claims.

Björk by Nick Knight, an artist who blends activism and music

She once said, “I would like to put importance on that I am not a politician, I am first and last a musician and as such I feel my duty to try to express the whole range of human emotions.” This declaration came amid controversy when rumors suggested she was dropped from a Serbian festival lineup due to her political comments.

More recently, in 2014, Björk encouraged a ‘yes’ vote for Scottish independence, and last year she joined the ‘No Music For Genocide’ campaign, making her catalog unavailable on streaming platforms in Israel amid the Palestine conflict.

The campaign includes other noteworthy artists like Massive Attack, Fontaines D.C., Amyl & The Sniffers, and Paramore, showcasing a growing trend of musicians advocating for global justice.

A Steadfast Commitment to Human Rights and Environment

Björk’s advocacy extends beyond territorial independence. In 2022, she opened up about the emotional toll of witnessing racial violence and mass murder during her time in the U.S., linking these experiences with her ongoing climate activism.

“I thought we’d be doing better with environmental things. We reacted so strongly to the COVID pandemic; all governments worked and we invented the vaccine in 10 months—a miracle for seven billion people. I would hope we would react as strongly to the environment,” she said.

She expressed optimism about Gen Z’s radical approach to environmental issues, emphasizing that “the only thing that really matters is how we deal with the environment.”

What’s Next for Björk?

Björk’s most recent album, Fossora (2022), showcased a deeply personal and sonically adventurous journey. Fans have been buzzing about a potential new album coming in 2026, promising more boundary-pushing music from the Icelandic legend.

Her voice—both in music and in activism—remains as vital as ever, reminding us all that art and politics often intertwine in the most powerful ways.

What do you think about Björk’s call for Greenland’s independence? Should more artists use their platforms to speak out on global political issues? Let us know!

FAQ

• How has Björk shown support for political causes before?
  Björk has supported Tibetan independence, Kosovo’s claim to independence, Scottish independence, and joined the ‘No Music For Genocide’ campaign advocating for Palestinian rights.
• What is Greenland’s current political status?
  Greenland is a self-governed territory with its own local government, but Denmark oversees its foreign policy and defense matters.
• Why is Greenland strategically important?
  Its geographic location makes it significant for military defense, especially for the U.S., which has multiple bases there.
• What does the phrase “Úr öskunni í eldinn” mean?
  It’s an Icelandic saying meaning “from the ashes into the fire,” used to describe moving from a bad situation into a worse one.
• What is Björk’s stance on environmental issues?
  She is a strong advocate for environmental action, impressed by the urgency of younger generations and critical of insufficient global responses to climate change.

If you’re inspired by Björk’s message and love iconic album art, why not shop your favorite album cover poster at our store? It’s a great way to celebrate music and its powerful messages. Explore posters here.