Thousands gathered in both Greenland and Denmark to voice their opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.
Demonstrations took place in various Danish cities, including the capital, Copenhagen, as well as in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.
These protests coincided with a visit to Copenhagen by a U.S. Congressional delegation, led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, who criticized Trump’s statements as “not constructive.”
Trump has suggested that he may consider taking Greenland, which he claims is vital for U.S. national security, by force. He recently announced plans to impose tariffs on European countries that oppose his proposal.
Starting February 1, goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland will face a 10% tariff, as he stated on his Truth Social platform on Saturday.
He accused these nations of engaging in “a very dangerous game” and warned that tariffs would increase to 25% on June 1 “until a deal is reached for the complete and total purchase of Greenland.”
Despite its sparse population, Greenland is rich in resources and strategically located between North America and the Arctic, making it ideal for missile defense systems and maritime monitoring.
Trump has previously indicated that the U.S. would acquire the territory “the easy way” or “the hard way,” referring to either purchasing it or taking it by force.
During the protests in Copenhagen, signs reading “Hands Off Greenland” and “Greenland for Greenlanders” were displayed. Greenlandic politician Erik Jensen told Reuters, “It’s very important that we stay together and show that Greenland is not for sale and we would not like to be an American or be annexed by the USA.”
The protests were organized by Greenlandic and Danish NGOs. Camilla Siezing, head of Inuit, an umbrella organization of Greenlandic associations, stated, “We demand respect for the Danish Realm and for Greenland’s right to self-determination.”
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In Nuuk, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen joined demonstrators carrying signs that said “Greenland is not for sale” and “we shape our future” as they marched toward the U.S. consulate.
Polls indicate that 85% of Greenlanders are against the territory becoming part of the U.S.
Other European nations have expressed support for Denmark, asserting that the security of the Arctic should be a collective responsibility of NATO.
France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK have sent a small number of troops to Greenland for a reconnaissance mission.
In the U.S., many are skeptical about the idea of acquiring Greenland. While most of the Congressional delegation visiting Denmark are Democrats, the 11-member group also includes moderate Republicans.
