Thousands march in Greenland to support Arctic island in the face of Donald Trump’s threats to take it over

The protests took place as a delegation from the US Congress arrived in Copenhagen. The group is led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, who said Trump’s language on Greenland was “not constructive”.

Why Trump wants Greenland

Trump says Greenland is important for US national security. The island lies between North America and the Arctic and is seen as key for monitoring shipping routes and missile threats. It is also rich in natural resources.

He has not ruled out taking Greenland by force. In the past, Trump said the US would get the territory “the easy way” or “the hard way”, which many took as a reference to buying the island or using military pressure.

Trump threatens tariffs

On Saturday, Trump announced new tariffs on European countries that oppose his plan. Writing on his Truth Social platform, he said goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland would face a 10% tariff from 1 February.

He warned the tariff would rise to 25% from 1 June “until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland”. He accused these countries of playing “a very dangerous game”.

What protesters say

In Copenhagen, Greenlandic politician Erik Jensen told Reuters: “It’s very important that we stay together and show that Greenland is not for sale and we would not like to be an American or be annexed by the USA.”

The protests were organised by Greenlandic and Danish non-government groups. Camilla Siezing, head of Inuit, an umbrella body of Greenlandic associations, said: “We demand respect for the Danish Realm and for Greenland’s right to self-determination.”

In Nuuk, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen joined demonstrators marching towards the US consulate. They carried signs saying “Greenland is not for sale” and “We shape our future”. Opinion polls suggest about 85% of Greenlanders are against joining the United States.

Europe backs Denmark

Several European countries have voiced support for Denmark, saying security in the Arctic should be handled jointly through Nato.

France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands and the UK have sent small numbers of troops to Greenland as part of what they describe as a reconnaissance mission.

Many in the US have also questioned the idea of acquiring Greenland. Most members of the congressional delegation visiting Denmark are Democrats, though it also includes some moderate Republicans.

“There are legitimate reasons for us to explore ways to invest better in Arctic security,” Senator Coons said, “both in the American Arctic and with our Nato partners.”

However, the US ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, said Greenlanders would be “safer, stronger and more prosperous under the umbrella of the United States”. He told Fox News that Denmark “doesn’t have the resources or the capacity” to manage the region.