Protests broke out in Greenland and Denmark on Saturday as US President Donald Trump threatened sweeping tariffs against European countries over their opposition to his plan to acquire Greenland.
Thousands of people gathered in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, as well as in Copenhagen and other Danish cities, protesting Trump’s renewed push to take over the mineral-rich Arctic territory. Demonstrators waved Greenlandic flags and chanted slogans demanding respect for Greenland’s sovereignty and right to self-determination.
Trump announced that Denmark and several other European nations would face tariffs if they continued to oppose his plan. According to his statement, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland would be hit with a 10 percent tariff on all goods exported to the United States starting February 1. He added that the tariff would increase to 25 percent from June 1, 2026, and would remain in place until an agreement is reached for the complete purchase of Greenland.
The US president accused the countries of creating an unsustainable security risk and said the measures were necessary to protect global peace and security. He also said he was open to negotiations with Denmark and the other affected nations.
The threats have raised concerns about unprecedented tensions within NATO, as many of the targeted countries are key members of the alliance. Denmark described the announcement as a surprise, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move was completely wrong. French President Emmanuel Macron said tariff threats were unacceptable, and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said European governments would not be intimidated and were working on a joint response.
European Union leaders said the bloc stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland, and an emergency meeting of EU ambassadors was convened in Brussels.
In Nuuk, protesters including Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen marched through the streets under light rain, singing traditional Inuit songs. Some demonstrators wore caps reading “Make America Go Away,” a parody of Trump’s campaign slogan.
A protester, 44-year-old nurse Paarniq Larsen Strum, said Greenlanders did not want the United States to take over the territory and described the situation as unsettling. Protest organiser Avijaja Rosing-Olsen said the demonstrations were a demand for respect for Greenland’s autonomy.
In Copenhagen, demonstrators waved Danish and Greenlandic flags and chanted slogans in support of Greenland. Some carried placards reading “Greenland is not for sale,” while others emphasised the importance of international law.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that the United States needs Greenland for national security and has alleged, without evidence, that China and Russia are attempting to gain influence over the territory. While both countries have increased their Arctic presence, neither has made a claim over Greenland.
France said recent European military exercises in Greenland were intended to show commitment to defending the territory, adding that the United States had been invited to participate.
It remains unclear what legal authority Trump would rely on to impose the proposed tariffs. Since returning to office, he has used tariffs broadly as a tool to pressure trading partners.
Meanwhile, a delegation of US lawmakers visiting Copenhagen said Trump’s position does not reflect the views of most Americans. Opinion polls published in January 2025 show that 85 percent of Greenlanders oppose joining the United States, while only six percent support the idea.
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