Thousands rallied in Nuuk and Copenhagen on Saturday, January 17, 2026, protesting U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed threats to annex Greenland. Demonstrators in Greenland’s capital marched toward the U.S. consulate, led by Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, waving flags and signs declaring “Greenland is not for sale.”
Greenlandic politician Erik Jensen emphasized unity: “We would not like to be American or annexed by the USA.” Parallel protests in Copenhagen saw crowds chanting outside the U.S. embassy, with creative slogans like “Make America Go Away” emblazoned on red caps parodying Trump campaign merchandise.
The demonstrations coincided with a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation’s visit to Denmark, aimed at de-escalating tensions. Senator Dick Durbin distanced Congress from Trump’s remarks, stating they “do not reflect what the American people feel.”
Trump’s latest threats include imposing tariffs on eight European nations until Greenland is “completely purchased,” prompting EU leaders to consider a unified response. The island’s strategic Arctic location and resources have fueled decades of U.S. interest, but local resistance remains steadfast.
