Copenhagen, Denmark. Protesters in Denmark and Greenland demonstrated on Saturday against President Donald Trump’s demand that Greenland be ceded to the United States and called for the island to determine its own future.
Demonstrations in Copenhagen and Nuuk
In Copenhagen, demonstrators chanted “Greenland is not for sale” and displayed slogans including “No means No” and “Hands off Greenland” alongside Greenland’s red-and-white flag as they marched to the U.S. embassy.
Some protesters wore red baseball caps resembling the “Make America Great Again” caps of Trump supporters, but with the slogan “Make America Go Away”.
In Greenland’s capital Nuuk, hundreds of protesters led by Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen carried flags and similar banners as they headed for the U.S. consulate.
They passed a newly built block where Washington plans to move its consulate, which is currently a red wooden building with four staff.
Organisers’ estimate and wider protests
Organisers estimated that more than 20,000 people attended the protest in Copenhagen, though police did not provide an official figure. Other protests were held across Denmark.
“I am very grateful for the huge support we as Greenlanders receive … we are also sending a message to the world that you all must wake up,” said Julie Rademacher, chair of Uagut, an organisation for Greenlanders in Denmark.
Trump remarks and diplomatic fallout
Trump has said Greenland is vital to U.S. security because of its strategic location and large mineral deposits, and has not ruled out using force to take it.
European nations sent military personnel to the island this week at Denmark’s request.
Trump’s repeated statements about Greenland have triggered a diplomatic crisis between the United States and Denmark, both founding members of the NATO military alliance, and have been widely condemned in Europe.
What do you think the protests signal about Greenland’s future and its relations with the United States and Denmark?
