Thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Copenhagen, Denmark's capital, on Saturday in a powerful display of opposition to US President Donald Trump's expressed interest in acquiring Greenland. The protest was a direct response to Trump's remarks on Friday, where he suggested he "may put a tariff" on nations that resist his administration's push to take over the mineral-rich, autonomous Danish territory.
A Sea of Red and White in Copenhagen
The rally outside Copenhagen's city hall transformed into a vibrant sea of red and white as participants waved the flags of both Denmark and Greenland. The air was filled with chants of "Kalaallit Nunaat!" – the name of the vast Arctic island in the Greenlandic language. The event was organized by Greenlandic associations and saw significant mobilization through social media, with plans for similar marches in the Danish cities of Aarhus, Aalborg, and Odense, as well as in Nuuk, Greenland's own capital.
The protest in Copenhagen began at 12:00 pm local time (1100 GMT) and was scheduled to pass by the US embassy. Organizers from Uagut, an association for Greenlanders living in Denmark, stated the aim was to send a "clear and unified message of respect for Greenland’s democracy and fundamental human rights."
Solidarity from Nuuk to Copenhagen
In a show of transatlantic solidarity, a sister demonstration was planned for 4:00 pm (1500 GMT) in Nuuk. Organizers there said the purpose was to protest what they called the United States' "illegal plans to take control of Greenland." Demonstrators in Nuuk intended to march to the US consulate carrying Greenlandic flags.
The protests coincided with a visit to Copenhagen by a bipartisan delegation from the US Congress, which has expressed opposition to the Trump administration's aggressive stance on Greenland. Julie Rademacher, chairwoman of Uagut, emphasized the need for unity, stating, "Recent events have put Greenland and Greenlanders in both Greenland and Denmark under pressure." She warned that rising tensions could create more problems and appealed for Greenlanders on both sides of the Atlantic to stand together.
A Clear Demand for Respect and Sovereignty
Other organizers were unequivocal in their demands. Kristian Johansen stated the demonstration was to show that Greenlanders are "taking action" and that they support their politicians and diplomats. Avijaja Rosing-Olsen added, "We demand respect for our country’s right to self-determination and for us as a people." She framed the issue as a global concern, stating, "We demand respect for international law and international legal principles. This is not only our struggle, it is a struggle that concerns the entire world."
Public opinion in Greenland solidly backs the protesters' stance. A poll published in January 2025 found that 85 percent of Greenlanders oppose the territory joining the United States, with only six percent in favor. This overwhelming sentiment underscores the depth of local resistance to the idea of a US takeover, framing the protests as a defense of national identity and democratic will.
