Thousands Rally in Denmark Against US Claims on Greenland

Thousands of protesters gathered in Copenhagen on Saturday to oppose US President Donald Trump’s renewed push to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.

The demonstrations followed Trump’s warning that he may impose tariffs on countries that resist his plans regarding the mineral-rich Arctic island. The protests also coincided with a visit to Copenhagen by a bipartisan delegation from the US Congress, whose members stressed that many Americans oppose such aggressive rhetoric.

Waving Danish and Greenlandic flags, protesters filled the area outside Copenhagen City Hall, chanting “Kalaallit Nunaat”, Greenland’s name in the Greenlandic language. Similar rallies were organised in Aarhus, Aalborg, Odense and Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, after thousands pledged support on social media.

Greenlandic associations said the aim was to send a clear message of respect for Greenland’s democracy, self-determination and fundamental human rights. In Nuuk, demonstrators were set to march to the US consulate, carrying Greenlandic flags in protest against what organisers described as unlawful plans to take control of the territory.

At the Copenhagen rally, participants were also due to gather outside the US embassy, calling for restraint and dialogue.

Organisers said recent developments had put Greenlanders under growing pressure, urging unity among communities in both Greenland and Denmark. Protest leaders said the demonstrations were meant to show solidarity with elected leaders and diplomats, while demanding respect for international law.

A poll published in January 2025 showed strong opposition within Greenland to joining the United States, with 85% against the idea and only 6% in favour.

Meanwhile, members of the visiting US congressional delegation said there was no immediate security threat to Greenland to justify the administration’s stance. They acknowledged, however, that long-term Arctic security concerns linked to climate change and shifting shipping routes required broader cooperation among allies.

Denmark and other European NATO members have announced military exercises in Greenland to underline their commitment to defending sovereignty in the Arctic, while the United States has been invited to take part.