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Denmark and Greenland Prepare for Protests Against Potential U.S.Acquisition
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Large demonstrations are planned across Denmark and Greenland in response to former U.S. President Donald Trump‘s reported interest in possibly acquiring Greenland. Thousands of people have signaled their intent to participate in protests via social media, expressing opposition to the idea of a U.S.takeover of the autonomous territory.
Background of Trump’s Greenland Interest
In August 2019, reports surfaced indicating that Donald Trump had privately discussed with his advisors the possibility of the United States purchasing Greenland. The BBC reported that trump allegedly asked about the feasibility of such a purchase, reportedly expressing interest in the island’s strategic location and natural resources. The idea was met with swift and widespread criticism from both Danish and Greenlandic officials.
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.It possesses important strategic importance due to its location in the Arctic, and it holds substantial natural resources, including minerals. The U.S. maintains a military presence at Thule Air Base in Greenland, a key component of its missile defense system.
Official Responses and Public Sentiment
The Danish Prime Minister at the time,Mette Frederiksen,publicly dismissed the idea as “absurd” in August 2019. Greenland’s than-Foreign Minister,Ane Lone Strøberg,echoed this sentiment,stating that Greenland is not for sale. The Guardian reported on Strøberg’s statement, highlighting the strong opposition to the potential sale.
Public sentiment in Greenland overwhelmingly opposes any sale to the United States. A poll conducted shortly after the reports surfaced showed that the vast majority of Greenlanders were against the idea. The Greenlandic government has repeatedly emphasized its desire to maintain its autonomy and close relationship with Denmark.
Planned Protests and Current Status (as of January 17, 2026)
While initial reports of Trump’s interest surfaced in 2019, the issue has periodically resurfaced in political discourse. As of January 17,2026,there have been no confirmed reports of renewed,official U.S. government efforts to acquire Greenland. Though, given Donald Trump’s recent proclamation of his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election and subsequent win in November 2024, concerns have been reignited. The White House released a statement confirming his victory.
Organizers are planning demonstrations in major cities across Denmark, including Copenhagen, and in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, to coincide with key dates in the U.S. political calendar.These protests aim to reaffirm Greenland’s sovereignty and express opposition to any potential future attempts by the U.S. to acquire the territory. As of this date, specific protest dates and estimated attendance numbers are still being finalized and publicized through social media channels and local news outlets.
- Donald Trump: Former U.S. President who initially expressed interest in acquiring Greenland.
- Mette Frederiksen: Current Prime minister of Denmark, who previously dismissed the idea of selling Greenland.
- Ane Lone Strøberg: Former Greenlandic Foreign Minister who stated greenland is not for sale.
- Kingdom of Denmark: The sovereign state to which Greenland is an autonomous territory.
