Protesters in Copenhagen and Nuuk rally against US plans for Greenland, demanding respect for its autonomy and international law.
COPENHAGEN: Thousands of people rallied in the Danish capital on Saturday to protest US President Donald Trump’s push to take over Greenland.
The demonstration followed Trump’s warning that he may impose tariffs on countries opposing his plans for the mineral-rich autonomous Danish territory.
Protesters waving Danish and Greenlandic flags gathered outside Copenhagen city hall, chanting “Kalaallit Nunaat!”, Greenland’s name in its native language.
Marches were also organised in Aarhus, Aalborg, Odense and Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, after being promoted on social media.
Organisers said the aim was to send a unified message of respect for Greenland’s democracy and fundamental human rights.
A sister demonstration in Nuuk was scheduled to march to the US consulate protesting the “illegal plans to take control of Greenland”.
The Copenhagen rally began at midday and was due to stop outside the US embassy in the Danish capital.
“Recent events have put Greenland and Greenlanders in both Greenland and Denmark under pressure,” said Uagut association chairwoman Julie Rademacher.
She called for unity, warning that rising tensions risk creating more problems than solutions.
The demonstration in Greenland aimed to show action and support for the territory’s politicians and diplomats, said organiser Kristian Johansen.
“We demand respect for our country’s right to self-determination and for us as a people,” added organiser Avijaja Rosing-Olsen.
She stated the struggle concerns the entire world and demands respect for international law.
A January 2025 poll showed 85% of Greenlanders oppose the territory joining the United States, with only 6% in favour.
Visiting US Democratic Senator Chris Coons insisted there was no security threat to Greenland justifying the Trump administration’s stance.
He was responding to claims by Trump advisor Stephen Miller that Denmark is too small to defend its Arctic territory.
“There are no pressing security threats to Greenland,” Coons told the press in Copenhagen.
He acknowledged shared concerns about Arctic security as climate change opens new shipping routes.
Coons said there are legitimate reasons to explore better investments in Arctic security with NATO partners.
Trump has repeatedly criticised Denmark, a NATO ally, for not doing enough on Greenland’s security.
Greenland is covered by NATO’s security umbrella as part of Denmark.
European NATO members are deploying troops to Greenland for a military exercise to defend sovereignty, French armed forces minister Alice Rufo said this week.
Britain, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden are sending personnel to prepare for future Arctic exercises.
Denmark said on Friday the United States has been invited to participate in the exercise.
