Jens-Frederik Nielsen: The man tasked with countering Trump’s Greenland ambition

By Anders Lorenzen March 31, 2025
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Leader of the Democrats (Demokraatit) party and Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen speaks to the media in Nuuk, Greenland, March 28, 2025. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger

On the same day that U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Energy Secretary Chris Wright arrived in Greenland for a widely criticized and provocative visit, Jens-Frederik Nielsen was confirmed as Prime Minister following two weeks of intense cross-party negotiations.

The new government, which takes effect immediately, brings together a broad coalition of four out of the five parties represented in Greenland’s parliament, the Inatsisartut.

From badminton champion to prime minister

But who is Jens-Frederik Nielsen—the relatively unknown 33-year-old now tasked with navigating serious geopolitical tensions while fulfilling his campaign promise to drive economic growth?

In 2025, Greenland, with a population of around 50,000, has once again found itself in the global spotlight after U.S. President Donald Trump renewed his interest in acquiring the country. On March 28, at the age of 33, Nielsen became Greenland’s youngest-ever Prime Minister—and the eighth to hold the office since the country gained home rule from Denmark in 1979.

Leader of the Democrats (Demokraatit) party and Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and Greenland’s former Prime Minister and Leader of the IA party Mute B. Egede attend an event in Nuuk, Greenland, March 28, 2025. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger

A unique background

Nielsen’s path to politics is anything but traditional. He first made his name in Greenland as a national badminton champion.

Education
From 2014 to 2016, he studied Social Sciences at the University of Greenland (Ilisimatusarfik).

Early career
Between 2017 and 2018, he completed an apprenticeship as a real estate agent.

    Political rise

    Nielsen entered politics through administrative roles in the center-right political party Demokraatit, founded in 2002.

    On May 29, 2020, he was unexpectedly appointed Minister of Labor and Mineral Resources. Less than two weeks later, on June 8, he was elected party leader without opposition.

    In February 2021, Nielsen withdrew Demokraatit from the governing coalition, triggering new elections. In the subsequent federal election on April 8, 2021, the party suffered heavy losses, and Nielsen himself only earned the third-highest number of personal votes within his party.

    But in the March 11, 2025 election, Nielsen staged a dramatic comeback. Demokraatit emerged as the largest party, and Nielsen received the highest number of personal votes. On March 28, he officially became Greenland’s Prime Minister.

    A view of the old city of Nuuk, Greenland, March 29, 2025. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger

    Political views and agenda

    Ideological alignment
    Demokraatit is closely aligned with Denmark’s Liberal Alliance and espouses center-right values focused on economic liberalism and individual freedom.

    Independence
    Nielsen supports Greenlandic independence but insists it must be pursued pragmatically and responsibly. He acknowledges that Greenland remains heavily reliant on economic support from Denmark and believes that strengthening the local economy is a prerequisite to sovereignty.

    Economic policy
    He advocates simplifying and reforming Greenland’s tax system to reduce the burden on citizens and create a more attractive environment for investors. His goal is to promote business, encourage foreign expertise, and diversify the economy.

    Natural resources
    Nielsen has expressed interest in making Greenland more appealing to mining and energy companies. He wants to introduce more flexibility for the resources sector, though it remains unclear whether he will seek to amend the Greenland Mineral Resources Act of 2010. The current law governs the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources and mandates environmental safeguards.

    Confronting U.S. pressure

    Nielsen did not mince words during his election campaign when it came to U.S. President Donald Trump. Upon being sworn in—just hours before Vance’s arrival—he stated that it was “a mark of disrespect” for an ally to visit while Greenland was without a functioning government.

    U.S. Vice President JD Vance speaks at the US military’s Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on March 28, 2025. Jim Watson/Pool via REUTERS

    He acknowledged that U.S. pressure had significantly influenced the election and emphasized that addressing the safety concerns of Greenlanders is a top priority for the new administration.

    “This is exactly why a new government needs to be in place,” he said, “so we can get to work and start dealing with these challenges.”

    Sporting career

    Nielsen has remarkably balanced politics with an impressive badminton career. He won Greenlandic championships in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2021.

    He also claimed multiple titles at the Island Games—a multi-sport event for island states and territories—including doubles (2015), team events (2017 and 2019), and the singles championship as recently as 2023.

    Key facts

    • Born: June 22, 1991 in Greenland

    • Education: Social Sciences, University of Greenland (2014–2016)

    • Professional background: Real estate apprentice (2017–2018)

    • Political career:

      • Minister of Labor and Mineral Resources (2020–2021)

      • Leader of Demokraatit (2020–present)

      • Prime Minister of Greenland (2025–present)

    • Sports achievements: Multiple badminton championships (2012–2023)