Thousands Flock to Copenhagen Streets to Defy Trump's Greenland Threats
In a show of unity and solidarity, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Copenhagen on Saturday to express their opposition to US President Donald Trump's repeated threats to take control of Greenland. The demonstration, which also drew supporters from across Denmark, was a defiant rejection of Trump's assertions that he must have the island, even by military means if necessary.
As the sea of red and white flags waved through the streets, chants of "Kalaallit Nunaat" – the Greenlandic name for the Arctic island – echoed through the city hall square. The protesters, who included both Danish and Greenlandic citizens, gathered to send a strong message to Trump and his administration that they would not stand idly by in the face of this threat.
"It's clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland," said Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Denmark's foreign minister, during a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier this week. "We can't let them do that."
The protests come as Trump announced plans to impose 10% tariffs on several European allies opposing US control of Greenland, starting from February 1. However, many experts have questioned the legitimacy of these claims, arguing that there is no security threat to justify the US administration's stance.
In fact, a recent poll published last year showed that an overwhelming 85% of Greenlanders oppose the territory joining the US, while only 6% were in favor. The island's semi-autonomous government has repeatedly stated its commitment to maintaining its independence and sovereignty.
The demonstrations are also being seen as a demonstration of unity between Denmark and Greenland, two countries that share a long history of cooperation and friendship. "This is...the capital city, but [home to] only about 19-20,000 people," said Al Jazeera's Rory Challands from Nuuk. "Everyone we spoke to yesterday said that they were going to be coming out and marching today."
While some US lawmakers have raised concerns about the president's push for control of Greenland, arguing that it threatens global stability and the US commitment to NATO, others are taking a more nuanced view.
"Greenland is a part of Denmark," said Democratic Senator Chris Coons during his visit to Copenhagen. "Denmark is our NATO ally. That should be the end of this discussion, in my view."
As tensions between the US and Greenland continue to escalate, it remains to be seen whether Trump's administration will eventually back down or continue to pursue its plans for control of the island. One thing is certain, however: the people of Denmark and Greenland are united in their determination to protect their sovereignty and independence from foreign interference.
In a show of unity and solidarity, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Copenhagen on Saturday to express their opposition to US President Donald Trump's repeated threats to take control of Greenland. The demonstration, which also drew supporters from across Denmark, was a defiant rejection of Trump's assertions that he must have the island, even by military means if necessary.
As the sea of red and white flags waved through the streets, chants of "Kalaallit Nunaat" – the Greenlandic name for the Arctic island – echoed through the city hall square. The protesters, who included both Danish and Greenlandic citizens, gathered to send a strong message to Trump and his administration that they would not stand idly by in the face of this threat.
"It's clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland," said Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Denmark's foreign minister, during a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier this week. "We can't let them do that."
The protests come as Trump announced plans to impose 10% tariffs on several European allies opposing US control of Greenland, starting from February 1. However, many experts have questioned the legitimacy of these claims, arguing that there is no security threat to justify the US administration's stance.
In fact, a recent poll published last year showed that an overwhelming 85% of Greenlanders oppose the territory joining the US, while only 6% were in favor. The island's semi-autonomous government has repeatedly stated its commitment to maintaining its independence and sovereignty.
The demonstrations are also being seen as a demonstration of unity between Denmark and Greenland, two countries that share a long history of cooperation and friendship. "This is...the capital city, but [home to] only about 19-20,000 people," said Al Jazeera's Rory Challands from Nuuk. "Everyone we spoke to yesterday said that they were going to be coming out and marching today."
While some US lawmakers have raised concerns about the president's push for control of Greenland, arguing that it threatens global stability and the US commitment to NATO, others are taking a more nuanced view.
"Greenland is a part of Denmark," said Democratic Senator Chris Coons during his visit to Copenhagen. "Denmark is our NATO ally. That should be the end of this discussion, in my view."
As tensions between the US and Greenland continue to escalate, it remains to be seen whether Trump's administration will eventually back down or continue to pursue its plans for control of the island. One thing is certain, however: the people of Denmark and Greenland are united in their determination to protect their sovereignty and independence from foreign interference.
I'm actually kinda impressed by how quickly Copenhagen came together to stand up to Trump's threats 
The fact that it wasn't just about some random group of people, but rather an actual display of unity between Denmark and Greenland is really beautiful 
It's like they're saying "Hey, we've got this" and showing the world what real solidarity looks like 
And honestly, 85% of Greenlanders opposed joining the US? That's a pretty clear message 
Trump needs to chill out and listen to the people instead of trying to bully them into submission 
what's going on here? trump thinks he can just waltz into greenland and take it over? like, what even is the point of having a president if you're gonna start acting like a dictator? 
this whole situation is so messed up. the fact that 85% of greenlanders don't want the US to control them and we're still seeing all these threats from trump... it's just not right.
we need to stand up for our sovereignty and show trump that we won't be bullied or intimidated into giving up our independence.
they're not going to let Trump just take over their land without a fight! it's like, totally understandable that Denmark is all about protecting its own territory and the people who live there 
meanwhile i see this as an opportunity for the US to step up its game and show we care about our allies too 
, what's really going on behind closed doors? The fact that most Greenlanders are against joining the US anyway should count for something... not like Trump's gonna listen 
and it's awesome to see so many people standing up for what they believe in 
to show how the US administration's actions are affecting the situation:
, and I think it's amazing to see so many people coming together to protect their sovereignty 
!
the ppl of denmark & greenland r totes united against trump's crazy threats 2 take over greenland lol who does he think he is 
i mean even tho it sounds like a pretty sweet deal for us, i'm all 4 denmark & greenland 2 stay independent n stuff 
the ppl of greenland r all about keeping their sovereignty n it's super admirable 
the fact that only 6% wanna join the US is low key impressive 
10% tariffs? bruh trump needs 2 chill 
its like danish & greenlander citizens standin united against US aggression 
they got a point tho, 85% of greeners dont wanna be part of usa 
its def a mess 
The fact that the people of Denmark and Greenland are standing up for themselves and refusing to let him bully them is amazing 
️ the fact that 85% of greenlanders are opposed to joining the us is mind-blowing 
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Copenhagen to defy Trump's threats to take control of Greenland 
. But the people are standing up for themselves, they won't back down 
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Come on guys, Greenland doesn't belong to anyone! It's not like it's some sort of disputed territory that can be taken over without a second thought. 
I think it's interesting how this situation brings out the strong sense of unity between Denmark and Greenland, two nations with a shared history. It shows that when it comes to protecting their autonomy, they won't let external pressures get in the way. The fact that 85% of Greenlanders are against joining the US is pretty telling - it highlights the island's unique cultural identity.
Anyway, I think this whole situation is just a big ol' mess 