Thousands of citizens braved chilly temperatures across Denmark on Saturday to voice their strong opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated ambitions to take control of Greenland. The widespread demonstrations underscore the deep-seated unease in the Nordic nation over the future of the vast Arctic territory.
Nationwide Rallies Send a Clear Message
The protests unfolded in Denmark's largest cities, with significant crowds gathering in central Copenhagen and outside the U.S. embassy. Simultaneous rallies took place in Aarhus, Aalborg, and Odense. A separate demonstration was also scheduled in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.
In Copenhagen, thousands endured +2°C (+36°F) weather, carrying banners with pointed messages like "U.S. has enough ICE," "Yankee go home," and "Not for sale." These slogans directly referenced Trump's past offers to purchase the island, which is a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
"Many people are deeply anxious. There are many Greenlanders who can’t sleep," stated Julie Rademacher, chair of the national organization for Greenlanders in Denmark and a main event organizer. "We want to send a clear message: Greenland doesn’t want to become American."
A Strained Diplomatic Relationship
The public outcry coincides with a continued stalemate between Denmark, Greenland, and the United States. Trump has persistently insisted that the U.S. needs to control Greenland for national security reasons, a proposition flatly and repeatedly rejected by both Danes and Greenlanders.
The protests also aligned with a visit by a delegation of U.S. lawmakers to Denmark, aimed at shoring up congressional support to contain the president's plans. On Friday, Trump escalated his rhetoric, threatening, "I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland." This tactic is part of his broader strategy to use tariffs to pressure nations into aligning with his foreign policy goals.
From the stage outside Copenhagen's city hall, Greenlander Anja Geisler framed the issue broadly: "This is not just about Greenland; it’s about respect for peoples and borders, and about the fact that small societies must not be pressured by great powers. Today, we are all Greenlanders."
Unity and Insecurity in the Arctic
For many with ties to Greenland, the situation has provoked anger and offense. Bente Hegelund, who was born in Greenland and attended the protest with its flag, expressed this sentiment. "He creates insecurity. We feel anger and that we have been offended," she said. However, she found reassurance in the visible international unity against Trump's moves, citing support from NATO, Canada, and other neighbors.
In Nuuk, officials warned American citizens to "remain vigilant" and "keep a low profile" ahead of the scheduled protests at the U.S. consulate. The rallies follow a visit to Washington earlier in the week by foreign ministers from Denmark and Greenland, who sought to defuse tensions. While talks with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not break the impasse, the parties agreed to form a high-level working group to continue discussions regarding the strategically crucial island.
The massive public mobilization on January 17, 2026, stands as a powerful testament to the popular resistance in Denmark and Greenland against external pressure over sovereignty, setting the stage for an ongoing and complex diplomatic confrontation.
