COPENHAGEN / NUUK — Jan 17, 2026 Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Denmark and Greenland on Saturday, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand that Greenland be handed over to the United States and insisting the Arctic territory must decide its own future.
In Copenhagen, protesters marched toward the U.S. embassy carrying Greenland’s red-and-white flag and chanting slogans such as “Greenland is not for sale,” “Hands off Greenland,” and “No means no.” Some demonstrators wore red caps modeled after Trump’s campaign hats, altered to read “Make America Go Away.”
At the same time, large crowds gathered in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, where protesters led by Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen waved flags and chanted “Kalaallit Nunaat,” Greenland’s name in the local language, as they moved toward the U.S. consulate.
“I’m here to show that Greenland is not a commodity or a political toy,” said Naja Holm, a civil servant attending the protest. “This is our home.”
By the consulate, Nielsen addressed supporters to loud applause, reinforcing Greenland’s opposition to any forced transfer of sovereignty.
Organisers estimated more than 20,000 people participated in the Copenhagen protest alone — roughly equal to the population of Nuuk. Demonstrations were also reported in several other Danish cities.
Julie Rademacher, head of Uagut, an organisation representing Greenlanders living in Denmark, said the turnout sent a powerful message. “We are grateful for the solidarity, and we are telling the world to pay attention to what is happening,” she said.
Growing Diplomatic Rift
Trump’s repeated assertions that Greenland is strategically vital to U.S. national security — citing its Arctic location and mineral resources — have triggered a sharp diplomatic dispute between Washington and Copenhagen, both founding members of NATO. Trump has not ruled out using force to secure control of the island, a position that has drawn widespread criticism across Europe.
In response to rising tensions, several European countries have sent military personnel to Greenland at Denmark’s request.
Greenland, home to about 57,000 people, has gradually expanded its self-rule since 1979 but remains part of the Danish kingdom. Denmark continues to manage its defense and foreign policy while providing significant financial support.
Although all major political parties in Greenland support eventual independence, leaders have recently stated they would prefer remaining within Denmark rather than becoming part of the United States.
Public opinion in the U.S. also appears skeptical. Recent polling shows strong opposition among both Democrats and Republicans to using military force to acquire Greenland.
