Thousands gathered in Copenhagen on Saturday, marching from City Hall to the American embassy to oppose President Trump’s stated interest in obtaining Greenland.
Protesters carried Greenlandic flags and shouted that Greenland cannot be purchased. Many wore red caps mimicking Trump’s MAGA hats, but with the message “Make America go away.”
Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to acquire Greenland, citing national security concerns, despite the existing U.S. military installation there. He recently stated to journalists aboard Air Force One that the U.S. would obtain Greenland regardless of the method.
The demonstration followed a visit by a cross-party group of U.S. lawmakers to Copenhagen, where they met with Danish and Greenlandic representatives and business leaders. The trip aimed to reinforce the historic ties between the United States and Denmark amid Trump’s controversial statements.
Protester Peder Dam displayed a Star Wars-themed sign appealing to Americans’ better nature, noting that Trump’s White House actions don’t reflect all Americans. However, he questioned why more ordinary Americans aren’t publicly opposing these developments, comparing it to how Danes would react if their government threatened Sweden.
Another participant, Thomas (using only his first name due to workplace concerns), described unprecedented anti-American sentiment. He expressed profound disappointment, noting Denmark’s military sacrifices alongside the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan, and questioning how America could betray this partnership.
He explained that while Americans might dismiss the invasion threat, Danes and Greenlanders face genuine uncertainty they cannot ignore.
Naja Mathilde Rosing, whose family comes from Greenland, attended to demonstrate solidarity against U.S. annexation. She rejected Trump’s claims about Russian and Chinese threats to Greenland, noting that congressional delegates found no supporting intelligence.
Rosing found the purchase concept offensive to indigenous peoples who view land as sacred rather than commodity. She drew parallels to American appropriation of Native American, Hawaiian, and Alaskan indigenous territories, emphasizing that populations cannot be bought.
Charlotte Holm, a Copenhagen resident with Greenlandic relatives, reported their fear about potential societal upheaval. She suggested Americans should direct Trump’s attention elsewhere, hoping he’ll become distracted by other issues.
Holm warned that U.S. action on Greenland would fundamentally alter global dynamics and potentially destroy NATO, urging American citizens to pressure their Republican representatives about protecting the alliance, as such actions would be irreversible.
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