‘Hands off Greenland’ protests draw thousands against Trump’s push for Arctic island: ‘Not for sale’
Premier of Greenland 🇬🇱 arrives to the demonstration.
— Orla Joelsen (@OJoelsen) January 17, 2026
January 17, 2026 pic.twitter.com/ovmjMRhR0z
NUUK, GREENLAND: Large protests erupted across Denmark and Greenland, drawing thousands of demonstrators in response to President Donald Trump’s aggressive campaign to acquire the Arctic island of Greenland.
On Saturday, January 17, the protesters were unified under the message that Greenland is “not for sale,” and expressed public opposition to the notion that the strategically important territory could be sold to the United States.
Protests erupt over Trump’s plan for Greenland
Thousands gathered in Copenhagen and other Danish cities to demonstrate against Trump’s plans to “acquire” Greenland. The protests, branded as ‘Hands Off Greenland’, also spread to the island itself, where supporters rallied in the capital city, Nuuk.
CNN journalist Nick Robertson, reported live from the island and said that everyone he spoke with delivered the same clear message, “Greenland’s not for sale!” Robertson estimated that between one‑third and one‑half of the town’s 20,000 residents attended the protest.
At demonstrations, protesters held a variety of signs expressing their rejection of Trump’s ambitions. Some signs read “No Means No!” and “Mark Rutte You’re Fired!”, referring to NATO’s secretary general.
In Copenhagen, other slogans such as “Yankee Go Home!” and “Make America Go Away!” were also seen among the crowds.
Many protesters said they had reached a breaking point after Trump repeatedly indicated that the US would claim Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, “one way or the other” and “whether they like it or not.”
The crowd in Nuuk included teachers, children, fishermen, and retirees many draped in Greenlandic flags joined the protest to express their anger, frustration, and concern directed at Trump.
Trump hits Europe with tariffs over Greenland
Trump escalated his push for acquiring Greenland by threatening economic measures. On the same day as the protests, Trump slapped a 10 % tariff on eight European countries, those opposing his Greenland ambitions with plans for tariffs to continue until a deal is reached.
In a Truth Social post shared Saturday morning, Trump argued that the United States has long subsidized Denmark and other European countries by not charging tariffs, and claimed it was time for Denmark to “give back.”
We have subsidized Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs, or any other forms of remuneration. Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back — World Peace is at stake! China and Russia want…
— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) January 17, 2026
He insisted that Greenland is critical for national security and world peace, noting alleged strategic threats from Russia and China. Trump emphasized that “only the United States of America… can play in this game”, reinforcing his push to secure Greenland under American control.
Trump also said, "The United States of America is immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these Countries that have put so much at risk, despite all that we have done for them, including maximum protection, over so many decades."
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen traveled to Washington earlier in the week to discuss Trump’s plan with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. Rasmussen described Trump’s ambitions as “totally unacceptable” to Danes and Greenlanders, though he indicated that talks would continue regarding a potential deal.
