Donald Trump’s renewed push to take control of Greenland has triggered a sharp backlash overseas, with large demonstrations breaking out across Denmark and Greenland over the weekend.
In Copenhagen, thousands of people flooded the streets after Trump suggested he could punish countries that oppose his plans for the Arctic island. He warned that tariffs could be used against governments standing in his way, framing Greenland as both a strategic and economic target for the United States.
Greenland remains an autonomous territory under the Kingdom of Denmark, and Trump’s comments struck a nerve among both Danish citizens and Greenlanders.
Protesters gathered outside Copenhagen City Hall, waving Danish and Greenlandic flags while chanting “Kalaallit Nunaat,” the island’s name in Greenlandic. Some signs mocked Trump directly, including banners reading “Make America Go Away.” Others referenced his domestic policies, with one sign declaring “USA already has too much ICE.”
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Demonstrations were not limited to the capital. Rallies were held in Aarhus, Aalborg, and Odense. In Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, protesters marched toward the US consulate carrying Greenlandic flags while chanting “Greenland is not for sale.”
Thousands and thousands of danes and greenlanders gathered in Copenhagen and other danish and greenlandic cities to send a clear signal to Trump: Hands Off Greenland❤️🇬🇱 #dkpol #greenland #handsoffgreenland pic.twitter.com/Y4xWCfvEet
— Pelle Dragsted (@pelledragsted) January 17, 2026
Organizers said the protests were about democracy and self-determination, not partisan politics.
“The aim is to send a clear and unified message of respect for Greenland’s democracy and fundamental human rights,” Uagut, an association of Greenlanders in Denmark, said in a statement.
Another demonstration in Nuuk was organized to protest what activists described as Trump’s “illegal plans to take control of Greenland.”
As crowds filled the streets, a delegation of US lawmakers met privately with Danish and Greenlandic officials in Copenhagen. Their tone sharply contrasted with Trump’s.
Democratic Senator Chris Coons said Trump’s rhetoric does not reflect the views of many Americans and dismissed claims that Greenland represents a security emergency.
“There are legitimate reasons to talk about Arctic investment and cooperation,” Coons said. “But there is no security threat that explains this approach.”
His comments came after Trump adviser Stephen Miller said Denmark was too small to defend Greenland. Danish officials condemned the claim, and the protests intensified.
Outside the US embassy, chants echoed through the streets as demonstrators rejected the idea that Greenland could be bought, traded, or pressured into submission. “You cannot be bullied by an ally,” said protester Kirsten Hjoernholm. “It’s about international law.”
Organizer Kristian Johansen said the protests were meant to show unity and support for leaders facing outside pressure. “We are taking action,” Johansen said. “We stand together, and we support our politicians, diplomats, and partners.”
Avijaja Rosing Olsen added that the message from Greenlanders was simple and firm.
“We demand respect for our country’s right to self-determination and for us as a people,” she said. “This is not only our struggle. It concerns the entire world.”
Featured image via X screengrab
