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Danish Protesters Don Red Caps in Defiance of U.S. Claims on Greenland
Red baseball caps bearing the slogan “Make America Go Away” have emerged as a symbol of Danish and Greenlandic resistance against recent U.S. assertions regarding the autonomous Danish territory. The caps, which parody former President Donald Trump’s signature “Make America Great Again” merchandise, have gained significant traction on social media and at public demonstrations across Denmark.
The movement gained momentum following a weekend protest in Copenhagen, where demonstrators braved freezing temperatures to voice their opposition. Among them was 76-year-old Copenhagen resident Lars Hermansen, who donned one of the red caps in solidarity.
“I want to show my support to Greenland and also show that I don’t like the president of the United States,” Hermansen told reporters at the rally outside Copenhagen City Hall.
The caps originated from Copenhagen vintage clothing store owner Jesper Rabe Tonnesen, who initially created them last year with little success. However, demand surged dramatically as U.S. rhetoric regarding Greenland intensified in recent weeks.
“When a delegation from America went up to Greenland, we started to realize this probably wasn’t a joke — it’s not reality TV, it’s actually reality,” explained Tonnesen, 58. “So I said, OK, what can I do? Can I communicate in a funny way with a good message and unite the Danes to show that Danish people support the people of Greenland?”
Tonnesen’s original design featured a clever wordplay: “Nu det NUUK!” — a modification of the Danish phrase “Nu det nok,” meaning “Now it’s enough,” with “Nuuk” substituted in reference to Greenland’s capital city. The caps quickly sold out over a single weekend, prompting Tonnesen to order “several thousand” more to meet demand.
Saturday’s demonstration in Copenhagen saw protesters waving Danish and Greenlandic flags while holding handmade signs with messages like “No Means No” and “Make America Smart Again.” The gathering maintained a lighthearted atmosphere while addressing what many Danes consider a serious diplomatic concern.
Protester Kristian Boye, 49, emphasized the solidarity behind the movement: “I’m here to support the Greenlanders, who are going through a very hard time right now. They are being threatened with having their country invaded. I think it’s totally unacceptable.”
The controversy has triggered a broader European response, with several governments publicly backing Denmark’s position. European leaders have emphasized the importance of defending Arctic sovereignty and warned that threats regarding Greenland could undermine Western security interests in the region.
Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, holds significant strategic value due to its geographical position and natural resources. With an area slightly larger than Saudi Arabia, the island is home to vast mineral deposits and occupies a crucial location between North America and Europe.
The territory has become increasingly important in geopolitical discussions about Arctic security and resource development as climate change opens new shipping routes and access to previously unreachable areas. Denmark has maintained sovereignty over Greenland since 1814, though the territory has progressively gained more autonomy, particularly following a 2009 self-governance agreement.
The red cap movement represents more than just political opposition – it signals growing concern among ordinary Danish citizens about sovereignty issues and reflects deepening Nordic solidarity with Greenland’s 56,000 residents, most of whom are Inuit.
As diplomatic tensions continue, the caps have transcended their role as mere merchandise to become a visible symbol of national identity and resistance, demonstrating how seemingly simple objects can quickly evolve into powerful statements during times of geopolitical uncertainty.
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7 Comments
While the U.S. may have strategic interests in Greenland, the autonomy and self-determination of the Greenlandic people should be the top priority. These protests show the strength of local opposition to external interference.
The protesters’ use of Trump’s own slogan against him is a brilliant bit of political satire. It highlights the absurdity of the U.S. attempting to lay claim to Greenland without the consent of its residents.
Agreed. Greenland’s future should be decided by Greenlanders, not imposed by foreign powers. The protesters are standing up for their right to self-governance.
The ‘Make America Go Away’ caps are a clever and humorous way to push back against Trump’s MAGA rhetoric. It’s important for smaller nations to assert their independence and identity in the face of superpower ambitions.
This is an interesting response to Trump’s provocative rhetoric around Greenland. The ‘Make America Go Away’ caps are a clever way for Danes and Greenlanders to voice their opposition to U.S. claims over their territory.
It’s good to see the local population standing up for their rights and autonomy. The Greenland issue highlights the need for more diplomatic nuance and respect for national sovereignty, even with close allies.
Absolutely. Unilateral claims over other countries’ territories are a concerning trend that should be resisted firmly but peacefully.