Thousands of people gathered in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, on Saturday to protest President Donald Trump’s stated interest in annexing the Danish autonomous territory, according to AFP. The demonstration included Greenland’s prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and featured participants waving Greenlandic flags, chanting slogans, and singing traditional Inuit songs in light rain. Many demonstrators wore caps reading “Make America Go Away,” a phrase referencing Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan. Similar protests took place across Denmark the same day, drawing thousands more participants.
The protests followed comments from Trump on Friday warning that he could impose tariffs on countries opposing his plans regarding Greenland. Speaking at the Nuuk rally, 44-year-old nurse Paarniq Larsen Strum said, “We don’t want Trump invading Greenland, that is the message,” describing the situation as “nerve-wracking.” In Copenhagen, where demonstrators gathered in solidarity, charity worker Kirsten Hjoernholm, 52, emphasized unity with Greenlanders, stating, “You cannot be bullied by an ally. It’s about international law.” Protesters there waved Danish and Greenlandic flags while chanting “Kalaallit Nunaat!”—Greenland’s name in the Greenlandic language—and displayed signs reading “Greenland is not for sale.”
Some demonstrators also held placards stating “USA already has too much ICE,” referencing Trump’s use of armed immigration officers in US cities. The Copenhagen protest coincided with a visit by a delegation of US lawmakers who met with Greenlandic and Danish officials. The delegation was led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, who told reporters that Trump’s position was misguided and not supported by most Americans. Coons also cited polling data showing broad opposition within Greenland itself. According to a poll published in January 2025, 85 percent of Greenlanders oppose joining the United States, while six percent support the idea.
Trump has repeatedly stated that the United States “needs” Greenland for reasons of “national security,” pointing to the island’s strategic location at the gateway to the Arctic and its mineral resources. Greenland has a population of roughly 57,000 and occupies a key position amid increasing global interest in Arctic shipping routes, energy development, and military posture. Trump has also argued that Denmark, a NATO ally, is unable to adequately guarantee Greenland’s security.
European NATO members have responded to the situation by deploying troops to Greenland in recent days for a military exercise. France said the exercise was intended to demonstrate that European allies are prepared to defend the territory. Danish officials stated that the United States was invited to participate in the exercise. Senator Coons said there was no security threat justifying the administration’s approach, while also acknowledging broader strategic concerns, stating, “There are legitimate reasons for us to explore ways to invest better in Arctic security broadly, both in the American Arctic and in our NATO partners and allies.”
Organizers of the protests said their aim was to affirm Greenland’s political autonomy and democratic rights. Uagut, an association representing Greenlanders living in Denmark, said the demonstrations were intended “to send a clear and unified message of respect for Greenland’s democracy and fundamental human rights.” Avijaja Rosing-Olsen, an organizer of the Greenland protest, added, “We demand respect for our country’s right to self-determination and for us as a people.” The demonstrations underscore growing international attention on Greenland’s future as strategic, economic, and security considerations in the Arctic continue to expand.
