Thousands of people in Greenland and Denmark have staged demonstrations against plans by former U.S. President Donald Trump to take over Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory.
Rallies were held in several Danish cities, including the capital Copenhagen, and in Greenlandβs capital, Nuuk. The protests coincided with a visit by a U.S. Congressional delegation led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, who described Trumpβs statements as βnot constructive.β
Trump has suggested that Greenland is critical for U.S. national security and has not ruled out acquiring the territory by force. He also announced that, from February 1, 10% tariffs will be imposed on goods from European countries opposing the plan, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland. The tariffs could rise to 25% from June 1 unless a deal is reached for what he called the βcomplete and total purchase of Greenland.β
Greenland is sparsely populated but rich in resources, and its strategic location between North America and the Arctic makes it important for early warning systems and maritime monitoring.
During the Copenhagen protests, demonstrators carried placards reading βHands Off Greenlandβ and βGreenland for Greenlanders.β Greenlandic politician Erik Jensen emphasized, βItβs very important that we stay together and show that Greenland is not for sale. We would not like to be annexed by the USA.β
The rallies were organized by Greenlandic and Danish NGOs. Camilla Siezing, head of the Inuit association, stated, βWe demand respect for the Danish Realm and for Greenlandβs right to self-determination.β In Nuuk, Greenlandβs Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen joined the protesters, holding signs reading βGreenland is not for saleβ and βWe shape our future.β
Opinion polls show that 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the U.S. Several European countries have voiced support for Denmark, stressing that Arctic security should remain a joint NATO responsibility. France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK have sent small reconnaissance missions to Greenland.
Within the U.S., many have questioned the feasibility of acquiring Greenland. While the visiting Congressional delegation is mostly Democratic, it also includes moderate Republicans. Senator Coons noted, βThere are legitimate reasons to explore ways to invest better in Arctic security, both in the American Arctic and with our NATO partners.β
