People in Denmark and Greenland gathered in several cities to protest against Donald Trump's plan to make this territory part of the United States.
Foreign news agencies reported that on Saturday, 17 Jan 2026, thousands of people in Greenland and Denmark rallied to oppose U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to take control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
Protests took place in multiple Danish cities, including the capital Copenhagen, as well as in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Protesters held signs reading “Don't touch Greenland” and “Greenland for Greenlanders.”
“It is very important that we come together to show that Greenland is not for sale, and we do not want to be Americans or annexed by the U.S.,” said Erik Jensen, a Greenlandic politician, to Reuters.
The protests occurred while a delegation from the U.S. Congress, led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, visited Copenhagen and described Trump's rhetoric as “unconstructive.”
Donald Trump has expressed his desire for Greenland to become part of the U.S. since his first presidential term, and raised the issue again after starting his second term last year, citing security reasons and not ruling out military force to seize control.
Recently, Trump announced he would impose tariffs on European countries opposing his plan, stating that goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland will face a 10% U.S. tariff starting 1 Feb.
The U.S. president accused these countries of playing a “very dangerous game,” adding that the tariff rate would rise to 25% on 1 June and remain until a comprehensive agreement on purchasing Greenland is reached.
Greenland is sparsely populated but rich in natural resources. Its location between North America and the Arctic makes it a strategic point for early warning missile systems and monitoring ship movements in the region.
Previously, Trump said Washington would take possession of the territory by “easy” or “hard” means, clearly referring to buying the island or using military force.
Meanwhile, a poll showed that over 85% of Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the United States.
Other European countries have united in support of Denmark, arguing that Arctic security should be a shared NATO responsibility. France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK have sent small forces to Greenland for joint patrol missions.
Source:bbc