Danes, Greenlanders rally against Trump’s push to take control of Greenland

COPENHAGEN – 17 January 2026: Protesters in Denmark and Greenland took to the streets on Saturday to reject US President Donald Trump’s renewed push for Washington to acquire Greenland, insisting that the Arctic territory’s future should be decided by its own people.

In the Danish capital, Copenhagen, demonstrators marched toward the US embassy, carrying Greenland’s red-and-white flag and displaying placards opposing the proposal, Reuters reported.

Chants echoed through the streets declaring that Greenland “is not for sale,” while other signs called on the United States to keep out of the island’s affairs.

Trump has repeatedly argued that US control of Greenland is vital for national security and has not ruled out the use of force.

While he has mentioned the possibility of purchasing the island, he has also said the United States could take control “the easy way” or “the hard way.”

Trump claims that Russia and China are seeking to expand their influence in the Arctic and insists that the US control of Greenland is necessary to prevent that.

Trump on Saturday said he will impose steep trade penalties on eight European countries that oppose his proposal to purchase Greenland from Denmark, with tariffs potentially rising to 25 percent by mid-2026.