'Hands off Greenland' protests sweep Denmark as Trump escalates takeover threats
Source: Politico (EU)
January 17, 2026 5:44 pm CET
Greenlandic organizations said Saturday they had mobilized thousands of demonstrators across Denmark and Greenland to protest U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to take over the Arctic island, framing the rallies as a defense of democracy and self-determination.
The demonstrations were organized by Uagut, the National Organization for Greenlanders in Denmark, together with the citizens initiative “Hands Off Kalaallit Nunaat,” the Joint Association for Greenlandic Local Associations in Denmark (Inuit) and the NGO Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke, according to a joint statement from the groups.
In Copenhagen, protesters gathered at City Hall Square chanting “Greenland is not for sale” before marching toward the U.S. Embassy, waving Greenland flags and holding banners reading “Hands off Greenland.” Parallel demonstrations were held in Aarhus, Aalborg and Odense, while a protest in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, was scheduled for later Saturday, with marchers set to head toward the U.S. consulate, organizers said.
“We are demonstrating against American statements and ambitions to annex Greenland,” Camilla Siezing, chairwoman of the Inuit Association, said in a statement. “We demand respect for the Danish Realm and for Greenland’s right to self-determination.” Organizers said the protests were peaceful and open to anyone wishing to show solidarity, and were timed to coincide with the visit of U.S. senators to Denmark amid mounting transatlantic tensions.
Read more: https://www.politico.eu/article/hands-off-greenland-protests-sweep-denmark-donald-trump-escalates-takeover-threat/