Demonstrators in Denmark and Greenland Protest Trump's Annexation Threat

(Patria) - Demonstrators in Denmark and Greenland protested today against President Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the United States, with a message that Greenland must be left the right to decide its own future.

Trump claims that Greenland is of key importance to US security due to its strategic location and large mineral resources, and has not ruled out the possibility of using force to take it over.

European countries this week, at Denmark's request, sent military personnel to the island.

In Copenhagen, demonstrators chanted "Greenland is not for sale" and carried signs with messages such as "No means no" and "Hands off Greenland," while carrying the red-and-white flag of the territory, they marched towards the US Embassy, Reuters reports.

Some participants wore red caps similar to Trump's caps with the slogan "Make America Great Again," but with an altered inscription: "Make America Go Away."

🚨 BREAKING: Large anti-Trump, pro-Greenland demonstrations have broken out in Copenhagen.
Public anger is rising in one of Washington’s closest allied capitals amid fears of a potential U.S. move to invade on Greenland. #USEUTension pic.twitter.com/rsHDYYYbHj

— The South Asia Times (@thesouthasiatim) January 17, 2026

In Greenland's capital, Nuuk, hundreds of demonstrators led by Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen carried flags and similar signs as they moved towards the US consulate.

They passed by a newly built facility into which Washington plans to relocate the consulate - currently located in a red wooden building with four employees.

Organizers estimate that more than 20,000 people attended the protest in Copenhagen - a number close to the total population of Nuuk, although police have not released official figures.

Protests were also held in other parts of Denmark.

- I am very grateful for the enormous support that we Greenlanders are receiving… At the same time, we are sending a message to the world that it must wake up - said Julie Rademacher, president of the organization Uagut, which brings together Greenlanders in Denmark.



Trump's repeated statements about Greenland have caused a diplomatic crisis between the US and Denmark, both founding members of the NATO alliance, and have drawn widespread condemnation in Europe.

The territory of about 57,000 inhabitants, which has been governed from Copenhagen for centuries, has had significant autonomy since 1979, but still remains part of Denmark, which is responsible for defense and foreign policy and finances a large part of the administration.

According to Danish authorities, about 17,000 Greenlanders live in Denmark.

All five parties elected to Greenland's parliament ultimately advocate for independence, but differ on its timing, and recently stated they would rather remain part of Denmark than join the US.