Widespread anger erupted in Denmark and Greenland following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of plans to acquire Greenland. On Saturday, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, while demonstrations and marches were also held in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.
In Copenhagen, demonstrators rallied to defend Greenland’s sovereignty, carrying placards with slogans such as “Hands Off Greenland” and “Greenland for Greenlanders.” The Greenlandic community in Denmark, organized under the group Ugat, said the protests aim to draw international attention to Greenland’s democracy, self-governance, and fundamental human rights.
Influential Greenlandic politician Erik Jensen told Reuters, “It is crucial to present our united position to the world. Greenland is not for sale. We never want to become part of the United States, and we will not accept any forced acquisition.”
In Nuuk, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen personally joined the protest. Demonstrators marched toward the U.S. consulate carrying banners that read, “We Decide Our Own Future.” Participating organizations emphasized that they are demanding Greenland’s self-governance rights be fully protected within Denmark’s constitutional framework.
A recent public opinion poll indicated that nearly 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the United States. In this context, several European countries have expressed solidarity with Denmark. They highlighted that the security of the Arctic region is a collective NATO responsibility. France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom have already deployed limited military forces in Greenland.
Meanwhile, in response to the Greenland dispute, President Trump has announced a 10% tariff on goods from eight European nations. In a statement on Saturday, he confirmed that the tariffs will take effect from February 1.