In the capital of Nuuk, demonstrators marched through snow-covered streets carrying signs and flags, and chanting slogans such as “Greenland is not for sale,” in what witnesses described as one of the largest coordinated protests in the island’s history. Many of the marchers voiced a desire for continued self-governance and rejection of any attempt to transfer sovereignty to the United States.
Greenland’s own Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, joined the protest in Nuuk and addressed the crowd, drawing cheers as he reaffirmed Greenlanders’ opposition to American control.
Simultaneously, tens of thousands of people rallied in Copenhagen and elsewhere in Denmark to show solidarity with Greenland’s position. In Copenhagen’s march, demonstrators carried the red-and-white flag of Greenland and banners reading “Greenland is not for sale” and “Hands off Greenland,” while others wore red caps that mimicked Trump-style baseball caps but carried the slogan “Make America Go Away.”
Organisers estimated that over 20,000 people participated in the Danish capital, a turnout comparable in size to the population of Nuuk itself.
Diplomatic Tensions and Tariff Threats
The protests come amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the United States and its European allies over Trump’s repeated statements that Greenland is strategically vital and should belong to the United States. Trump has refused to rule out the use of force to acquire the island and has argued that U.S. ownership is necessary for national security.
On the same day as the protests, Trump announced plans to impose a 10 per cent tariff on imports from eight European countries, including Denmark, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and Finland starting from February 2026, escalating to 25 per cent by June, unless Denmark agrees to sell Greenland to the United States.
European leaders reacted strongly against Trump’s tariff threat, warning that such measures risk undermining transatlantic relations and could provoke a “downward spiral” in diplomatic ties.
Broader Political Backdrop
Greenland has long been part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and while it has significant autonomy, Denmark retains control over defence and foreign affairs. All political parties in Greenland’s parliament favour eventual full independence, but they have made clear they would rather remain tied to Denmark than become part of the United States.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted this week found that only 17 per cent of Americans approve of Trump’s effort to acquire Greenland, and large majorities from both major U.S. political parties oppose using military force to do so, with many respondents saying the move could damage NATO and U.S. relations with European allies. Trump dismissed the poll as “fake.”
The reaction across Greenlandic society has been fierce, with many residents expressing a deep commitment to their own identity, autonomy and democratic rights. Demonstrators, politicians and citizens of all ages have stressed that the issue goes beyond trade or security it is fundamentally about respect for Greenland’s sovereignty.