New Delhi, January 17 – A fierce backlash is brewing in Denmark and Greenland against U.S. President Donald Trump’s bold claim to seize the Arctic island. Thousands are set to flood the streets this Saturday in a coordinated wave of demonstrations under the banner ‘Hands Off Greenland.’ The timing couldn’t be more pointed, coinciding with a U.S. congressional delegation’s visit to Copenhagen for high-stakes talks with Danish and Greenlandic officials.
The organization Naalakkersuisut, representing Greenlanders in Denmark, laid out its strategy on its website. ‘Our goal is to send a clear, unified message respecting Greenland’s democracy and fundamental human rights,’ the group declared. Social media buzz suggests massive turnout, as reported by Danish outlet The Local DK.
Trump’s special envoy, Jeff Landry, doubled down Friday, insisting Washington is dead serious about acquiring the semi-autonomous territory. ‘The deal will happen,’ he said, emphasizing the president’s resolve. Trump himself has been vocal, threatening tariffs on any nation opposing his vision. Speaking at the White House, he warned, ‘If countries don’t play ball on Greenland, we’ll hit them with tariffs to ramp up economic pressure.’ He views the island as critical to U.S. security strategy.
This comes amid rising tensions in the Arctic. NATO allies like France, Germany, the UK, Norway, and Sweden have bolstered military presence there. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called Greenland’s defense a ‘common concern’ for the alliance.
Home to just 56,000-57,000 people, Greenland has enjoyed self-rule since 1979, with Denmark handling defense and foreign affairs. While independence from Denmark simmers locally, the idea of U.S. control has been flatly rejected. Locals fear it would erase their unique cultural identity.
As protests loom, the world watches how this clash of sovereignties unfolds, potentially reshaping Arctic geopolitics and testing alliances in an era of assertive U.S. foreign policy.
