NUUK, Greenland — Thousands of Greenlanders and Danish citizens staged coordinated protests across the Danish realm on Saturday, voicing opposition to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed statements suggesting the United States should seek control of Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
In Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, demonstrators marched across snow and ice from the city center to the U.S. consulate, carrying national flags and placards reading “Greenland is not for sale.” Among those who joined the rally was Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, as organizers described the gathering as one of the largest public demonstrations in the island’s history, drawing nearly a quarter of Nuuk’s population.
The protest coincided with reports that Trump had announced plans to impose a 10% tariff on eight European countries starting in February, citing opposition to U.S. claims over Greenland. The move drew sharp criticism from participants, who said it underscored their concerns about pressure on the territory’s political autonomy.
“I thought this day couldn’t get any worse, but it just did,” said 21-year-old Malik Dollerup-Scheibel after learning of the tariff announcement. “It just shows he has no remorse for any kind of human being now.”
Trump has previously argued that the United States should acquire Greenland, citing its strategic location and mineral resources. His latest remarks came amid heightened geopolitical tensions following recent U.S. military actions in Venezuela earlier this month.
Solidarity marches were also held in Copenhagen and in the Canadian territory of Nunavut, which is governed by Inuit authorities. In Denmark’s capital, demonstrators waved Danish and Greenlandic flags as they called for respect for the sovereignty of smaller nations.
“This is important for the whole world,” said Elise Riechie, a protester in Copenhagen. “There are many small countries. None of them are for sale.”
In Nuuk, families joined the march, accompanied by traditional songs. Marie Pedersen, 47, said she brought her children to show them “that they’re allowed to speak up.”
“We want to keep our own country and our own culture, and our family safe,” she said.
Her nine-year-old daughter, Alaska, carried a handmade sign echoing the rally’s main slogan. She said her teachers had discussed the controversy in school, including lessons on Nato and how countries can stand up to pressure.
Local authorities described the turnout as unprecedented. “I hope it can show him that we stand together in Europe,” said Tom Olsen, a Nuuk police officer. “We are not going down without a fight.”
Former Greenland lawmaker Tillie Martinussen urged the U.S. administration to reconsider its position, warning that threats and economic pressure could undermine long-standing alliances.
“This is a fight for freedom,” she said. “It’s for Nato, it’s for everything the Western Hemisphere has been fighting for since World War Two.”
Louise Lennert Olsen, a 40-year-old nurse who joined the march, said her message was directed not only at political leaders but also at American citizens.
“I would really like them to support our wish to be Greenland as we are now,” she said. “I hope they will stand against their own president.”
Organizers said further demonstrations are being planned as Greenland and its supporters continue to call for respect for the island’s autonomy and cultural identity.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
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