By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Protests erupted in Copenhagen and Nuuk on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to acquire Greenland. Demonstrators, including Greenland’s prime minister, voiced opposition to Trump’s plans and expressed support for Greenland’s self-determination. The protests were organized by Greenlandic associations and coincided with a visit from a bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation that also opposed Trump’s actions. The demonstrations highlighted concerns about respecting Greenland’s autonomy, international law, and human rights amidst the ongoing situation.
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Hands off Greenland: Thousands protest in Denmark against Trump’s land grab
The air in Denmark crackled with a palpable energy, not just of the cold Nordic wind, but of something far more potent: resistance. Thousands of people, many of whom were participating in a protest for the very first time, took to the streets. The target of their unified outcry? The notion of a potential “land grab” in Greenland, spearheaded by none other than the former US President, Donald Trump. The atmosphere was described as overwhelmingly supportive and engaging, a testament to the shared concern and determination of the protestors.
This wasn’t simply a matter of dismissing a whimsical idea; the protestors were united in their understanding of the stakes. The acquisition of Greenland by the US wasn’t seen as a simple real estate transaction. Some commentators, like an American commentator, viewed it as a geopolitical act with potentially catastrophic consequences, equating it to pulling the pin on a grenade in a crowded elevator. They envisioned a cascade of negative effects, including the unraveling of NATO, the swift removal of US military presence in Europe, economic collapse due to the weaponization of the EU market, and the complete isolation of the US from the global community. The dire predictions included the end of visa-free travel, the loss of residency for Americans in Europe, and the exclusion of the US from international events like the Olympics. This perspective highlighted the invasion as a form of national suicide, sacrificing reputation, economy, and security for a cold island.
The depth of feeling on display was intense, with personal sentiments bleeding into the broader political commentary. The prospect of Trump potentially going through with such an action evoked strong emotions, with some expressing shame and a readiness to actively oppose the move. There were those who were utterly appalled by the thought of it. Protests are often dismissed by those in power but in this case, the response highlighted the underlying seriousness of the situation. Some opinions even drew comparisons to the current situation in the Ukraine and the potential implications of the US making a move on Greenland.
The protests served a clear purpose: to send a strong message to both local lawmakers and visiting US politicians. The intention was to demonstrate that the aggressive approach was unwelcome and a disgrace, while reinforcing the solidarity between Greenlanders and Danes. The demonstrators also hoped to ignite similar protests across Europe, fostering a coordinated pushback against the US action. They knew that a refusal to act would only encourage further transgression, and it was that sentiment that fueled the gathering.
The timing of the protests, coinciding with the visit of US lawmakers, was no accident. The goal was to reach those officials and to inspire them to take a stand against Trump’s ambitions. Regardless of the outcome, the protesters were exercising their civic duty, standing firm in their democratic values, and using their most powerful tool: their voices. They weren’t alone either, as some mentioned the rest of the world supporting the Greenlanders.
The very idea of a US acquisition of Greenland was viewed with deep skepticism, a sentiment echoed by the vast majority of Americans, with some estimates suggesting that only a small minority favored the move. The focus was less on the specifics of the potential deal and more on the principle of self-determination. They recognized Greenland’s existing autonomy and their integration within the Danish welfare state. The sentiment was that Greenland should be given self determination and freedom without the interference of the US or Denmark.
The protests were not simply a display of anger, but also a call to action. The participants knew the value of networking, and of community building. They were aware that their actions, while potentially ignored by the current administration, were crucial for amplifying the opposition and building the momentum for further resistance.