Large Protests in Denmark and Greenland: Slogan ‘America, Go Away’
Public Outrage Against Trump's Greenland 'Purchase' Proposal and Military Threats
Copenhagen/Nuuk – Large protest demonstrations have taken place in various cities across Denmark and Greenland against American actions and claims over Greenland. Protesters chanted “Make America Go Away” and declared their commitment to preserving Greenland’s sovereignty.
In Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, a large crowd gathered at City Hall Square at 12 p.m. local time. The protesters, carrying Danish and Greenlandic flags, marched towards the U.S. Embassy, located 2 kilometers away. The demonstration saw participation from citizens of both Denmark and Greenland.
In Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, crowds began gathering from early afternoon. Protesters chanted “Greenland belongs to Greenlanders.” In this demonstration held amid light rain, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also participated and waved the Greenlandic flag. His participation provided significant strength to the protest. Many protesters wore hats inscribed with “Make America Go Away.”
Similar protests have also taken place in the Danish cities of Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg, while preparations for protests have been made in the Greenlandic cities of Aasiaat, Qaqortoq, and Ilulissat.
Shortly after the protests, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that America would impose tariffs on the countries involved in the Greenland issue. According to his social media post, “A 10 percent tariff will be applied on all goods imported from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, and Finland starting February 1.”
Trump stated that this tariff would increase to 25 percent from June 1 and would remain in effect until the United States purchases Greenland.
Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, where Copenhagen retains control over defense and foreign policy. The United States has been operating a military base called Thule Air Base on the island.
Trump has consistently shown interest in Greenland—from proposing to “purchase” the island during his first presidential term to the current option of “using the U.S. military” to seize the autonomous island.
Following a meeting in Washington on Wednesday between U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, it was announced that a “fundamental disagreement” over Greenland’s future remains.
The European Union has expressed support for Denmark, while this issue has created deep divisions within NATO. According to analysts, Trump’s move will create a major rift in Atlantic cooperation.
The citizens of Greenland have clearly opposed American intervention. Greenland’s parliament has already rejected the American proposal. This dispute appears likely to have a significant impact on international relations in the future.
