Thousands of protesters gathered across Denmark on Saturday in solidarity with Greenland following renewed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting the United States could seek to annex the Arctic island.
Demonstrators called on Washington to respect Greenlanders’ right to self-determination, as concerns grew over Trump’s repeated claims that Greenland is vital to U.S. national security.
Demonstrations in Copenhagen and beyond
In Copenhagen, protesters assembled in City Hall Square before marching toward the U.S. embassy. Many chanted slogans such as “Greenland is not for sale” and “Hands off Greenland,” while waving Greenland’s red-and-white national flag, known as Erfalasorput.
Julie Rademacher, chair of Uagut, an organization representing Greenlanders living in Denmark, said the demonstrations were meant to send a broader message.
“I am very grateful for the huge support we as Greenlanders receive,” Rademacher said. “We are also sending a message to the world that people must wake up.”
She said Greenland and its people have become unwilling symbols in a larger struggle over democracy and human rights.
Reuters video footage showed large crowds at multiple locations, though neither police nor organizers provided official estimates. Additional protests were reported elsewhere in Denmark, with further demonstrations planned later Saturday in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital.
Trump remarks fuel diplomatic tensions
Trump has argued that Greenland’s strategic location and mineral resources make it essential to U.S. security. He has not ruled out the use of military force to secure control of the island.
In response, several European nations sent military personnel to Greenland this week at Denmark’s request, underscoring growing concern among U.S. allies.
Trump’s statements have triggered what Danish officials describe as an unprecedented diplomatic crisis between Denmark and the United States, both founding members of NATO. The remarks have drawn widespread criticism across Europe.
Greenland’s political status and future
Greenland, home to about 57,000 people, has been governed from Copenhagen for centuries but has enjoyed broad self-rule since 1979. It remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark, which retains control over defence, foreign policy, and much of its funding.
All five parties represented in Greenland’s parliament support eventual independence, though they differ on the timing. In recent days, Greenlandic leaders have said they would prefer remaining within Denmark rather than joining the United States.
The protests in Denmark were organized by Greenlandic groups in cooperation with ActionAid Denmark.
“We demand respect for the Danish Realm and for Greenland’s right to self-determination,” said Camilla Siezing, chair of Inuit, the Joint Association of Greenlandic Local Associations in Denmark.
According to Danish authorities, about 17,000 Greenlanders currently live in Denmark.
U.S. public opinion divided
Public opinion in the United States appears largely opposed to Trump’s Greenland ambitions. Recent polling shows only a small minority of Americans support efforts to acquire the island, while majorities across party lines oppose the use of military force.
As protests continue, demonstrators say the message is clear: Greenland’s future should be decided by Greenlanders, not imposed from abroad.
