Protests erupt in Denmark and Greenland as Trump’s push for Greenland draws backlash

Large crowds took to the streets in both Denmark and Greenland on Saturday in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed insistence that the United States should gain control of Greenland — an autonomous territory that is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Demonstrators voiced strong opposition to the idea, calling for respect for Greenland’s right to determine its own future and condemning any attempts to assert U.S. control.
In Copenhagen and several other Danish cities, including Aarhus, Aalborg and Odense, protesters waving Danish and Greenlandic flags gathered under slogans such as “Hands off Greenland” and “Greenland is not for sale.” Organisers said the rallies were designed to send a clear message that Greenland’s sovereignty should be protected and that decisions about its future belong to its people.
Similar demonstrations were planned in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, where residents and supporters also expressed anger at Trump’s rhetoric and potential actions. Participants chanted in support of self-determination and opposed any attempt to annex the island by force or diplomacy.
Trump has argued that Greenland’s strategic location and mineral wealth make it vital to U.S. national security, and has not ruled out tariffs or even force to achieve U.S. control — remarks that have strained relations with Denmark and alarmed other NATO allies.
The demonstrations come amid a broader diplomatic effort: a bipartisan delegation of U.S. lawmakers has been in Copenhagen reassuring Danish and Greenlandic leaders that many Americans oppose aggressive moves on Greenland and affirming support for NATO and respect for Greenland’s autonomy.