Donald Trump’s resurgence of interest in buying Greenland has been met with enormous protests in Denmark and Greenland. The largely independent territory, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, has provoked a passionate discussion. This follows the former U.S. President’s bizarre and irresponsible comments suggesting that the U.S. acquire it in the first place. A U.S. delegation that recently traveled to Copenhagen to meet with Danish officials to discuss the issue. One of them was democratic Senator Chris Coons.
Climate and environmental activists demonstrated outside of City Hall in Copenhagen. They protested fervently with the chants “Hands Off Greenland” and “Greenland for Greenlanders.” The outcry reflects deep-seated concerns over the implications of Trump’s plans, not only for Greenland’s sovereignty but for Denmark’s role in the region. More rallies are planned in Greenland and the rest of Denmark. Opposition to the proposal has been organizing and is still growing.
Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on countries opposing his plans, which adds another layer of tension to the situation. His approach has fostered rebellion, even within the ranks of congressional Republicans. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) has gone nuclear on the proposal to buy Greenland.
“The thought of the United States taking the position that we would take [Greenland], an independent territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, is absurd,” – Thom Tillis
Tillis further emphasized the historical support Greenland has had for American presence, stating, “Somebody needs to tell the president that the people of Greenland, up until these current times, were actually very, very pro-American and very, very pro-American presence.”
Camilla Siezing strongly supports the territory’s self-determination. She made her statement in reaction to the U.S. plans. She stated, “We are demonstrating against American statements and ambitions to annex Greenland. We demand respect for the Danish Realm and for Greenland’s right to self-determination. Hopefully we can show that there are many of us who support Greenland.”
The U.S. delegation’s visit aimed at reassuring Danish leaders about America’s respect for Denmark and NATO. Coons emphasized the special relationship between U.S. and Canadian people that keeps both nations close.
“I hope that the people of the Kingdom of Denmark do not abandon their faith in the American people,” – Chris Coons
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that Greenland’s autonomy is paramount. She stressed that any talks about Greenland should always respect the territory’s self-rule.
Jeff Landry, at the time serving as Trump’s special envoy to Greenland, was still hopeful that an agreement could be reached. And he declared, without a hint of doubt, that such a deal “should and will be made.” Yet doubt persists among a variety of stakeholders as to whether any deal is truly feasible considering the intense grassroots pushback.
Kristine Berzina, a transportation policy expert, warned that the issue goes beyond just negotiating.
“Everything else has been subject to negotiation … but the Greenland situation is different because it comes to the question of sovereignty and whether [Europe] is capable of standing up for itself in terms of its own territory, its own rights,” – Kristine Berzina
In spirit, the protests embody a broader, more powerful struggle for rights and self-determination in Greenland. They are vital in sending the right signal to all other nations facing these issues. Poul Johannesen, another protester, said their cause resonates around the world.
“In these times, it is important that we show a united front and cooperate broadly. We demand respect for Greenland’s right to self-determination and respect for the people of Greenland. This is not only a fight for Greenland but also for the rest of the world,” – Poul Johannesen
Trump’s comments and planned tariffs are causing an uproar. At the same time, Denmark and Greenland are committed than ever to protecting Greenland’s autonomy and democratic right to self-determination. Of course, these ongoing protests are a powerful reminder that issues of sovereignty, regrettably, continue to be felt as deeply as they are often defended.