Listen to the article
Thousands of Greenlanders took to the streets of Nuuk on Saturday, protesting against President Donald Trump’s renewed push to purchase the Arctic island from Denmark, with demonstrators chanting that Greenland is “not for sale” and asserting their right to self-determination.
“We are not interested in being Americans,” one protester declared during the demonstrations in Greenland’s capital, where thousands marched toward the U.S. consulate carrying flags and banners while chanting “Kalaallit Nunaat,” the island’s name in Greenlandic.
The protests were sparked by Trump’s Truth Social post on Saturday, in which he announced plans to impose escalating tariffs on Denmark and other European nations unless a deal is reached for the United States to purchase Greenland. According to Trump’s post, a 10% tariff would begin February 1, increasing to 25% by June 1, and would remain in effect “until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.”
Some demonstrators wore red baseball caps styled after Trump’s signature “Make America Great Again” hats, but with the slogan “Make America Go Away,” highlighting local resistance to the acquisition proposal.
Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen led the march to the U.S. consulate, where he addressed the crowd to loud cheers. The demonstration reflected widespread sentiment among Greenlanders who view the proposal as an affront to their sovereignty.
“I’ve come here today because I think it’s important to show that Greenland is not for sale. It is not a toy. This is our home,” Naja Holm, a civil servant, told Reuters during the protest.
Trump has justified his interest in Greenland by citing national security concerns, pointing to the island’s strategic Arctic location and valuable mineral resources. He has warned that China and Russia are seeking influence in the region and argued that U.S. control would strengthen Western security posture.
Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark with approximately 57,000 residents, has long-term aspirations for independence. While all political parties in Greenland’s parliament support eventual independence, they differ on timing. According to Reuters, these parties have indicated they would prefer to remain part of Denmark rather than become incorporated into the United States.
The tariff threats have provoked sharp responses from European leaders, who have vowed to present a united front against what they perceive as economic coercion. Sweden’s prime minister stated that Europe would not be “blackmailed,” while French President Emmanuel Macron described the threats as “unacceptable.”
“No intimidation nor threat will influence us, neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world when we are confronted with such situations,” Macron wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context. Europeans will respond to them in a united and coordinated manner if they were to be confirmed.”
Dutch Prime Minister David van Weel also responded on social media, stating, “We have taken note of President Trump’s announcement on tariffs. Military efforts related to exercises in Greenland are intended to contribute to security in the Arctic region. The Netherlands is in close contact with the EU Commission and partners on our response.”
This renewed push for acquiring Greenland comes at a time of increasing geopolitical competition in the Arctic region. The area has gained strategic importance due to climate change opening new shipping routes and making previously inaccessible natural resources potentially available for extraction.
For Greenlanders, however, the issue transcends geopolitics and centers on their identity and sovereignty. As climate change transforms the Arctic landscape and major powers compete for influence, the people of this vast island find themselves at the center of international attention they neither sought nor welcomed.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
7 Comments
Greenland is not for sale. The people have spoken, and their voice should be heard. The US needs to abandon this misguided attempt at acquisition and focus on building constructive relationships instead.
While I understand the strategic interest in Greenland, the current administration’s approach is highly problematic. Negotiating in good faith with Denmark and Greenland would be the proper way forward.
Tariffs as a means to force the sale of Greenland are heavy-handed and counterproductive. This is not how democratic nations should engage with each other in the 21st century.
The protests in Greenland are a clear sign that the local population overwhelmingly rejects the idea of being purchased by the US. Ignoring their democratic voice would be highly unethical.
Absolutely. Greenland’s people should have the final say on their own future, not be subjected to a unilateral acquisition. The US needs to respect their sovereignty.
This is a concerning development. Greenland is a sovereign territory with the right to self-determination. Unilateral attempts to acquire it would violate international law and undermine the Greenlanders’ wishes.
The protests in Nuuk make it abundantly clear that the Greenlanders have no desire to become part of the United States. Respecting their right to self-determination should be the top priority here.