Protests Erupt Across Greenland As Trump Pushes Takeover, Crowds Declare: ‘We Are Not Interested In Being Americans’

Demonstrations broke out across Greenland on Saturday as large crowds pushed back against President Donald Trump’s renewed effort to bring the Arctic island under U.S. control, with protesters chanting that Greenland is “not for sale” and insisting on the right to decide their own future, according to Reuters.

“We are not interested in being Americans,” one protester said on video during the demonstrations in the capital, Nuuk.

The protests came after Trump escalated his campaign to acquire Greenland, including a Truth Social post on Saturday announcing new tariffs on several European countries unless they agree to a deal for the island’s purchase.

In that post, Trump said Denmark and other European nations would face a 10% tariff starting Feb. 1, increasing to 25% on June 1, adding that the tariffs would stay in effect “until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.”

During the demonstrations, some protesters wore red baseball caps modeled after the “Make America Great Again” hats associated with Trump supporters, but altered to read “Make America Go Away.”

In Nuuk, thousands of demonstrators, led by Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, marched toward the U.S. consulate carrying flags and banners while chanting “Kalaallit Nunaat,” Greenland’s name in its native language, Reuters reported. Nielsen later addressed the crowd outside the consulate, drawing loud applause.

“I’ve come here today because I think it’s important to show that Greenland is not for sale. It is not a toy. This is our home,” said Naja Holm, a civil servant who spoke to Reuters at the protest.

Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is critical to U.S. national security because of its strategic Arctic position and valuable mineral resources, warning that China and Russia are seeking to expand their influence on the island. He has said U.S. control would strengthen Western security in the region.

The dispute has triggered strong reactions across Europe. Sweden’s prime minister said Europe would not be “blackmailed,” while French President Emmanuel Macron warned that tariff threats were unacceptable and said Europe would respond together in a post on X.

“No intimidation nor threat will influence us, neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world when we are confronted with such situations,” Macron wrote. “Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context. Europeans will respond to them in a united and coordinated manner if they were to be confirmed.”

Dutch Prime Minister David van Weel also responded on social media, saying, “We have taken note of President Trump’s announcement on tariffs.” He added that military exercises in Greenland are intended to strengthen Arctic security and said the Netherlands is coordinating with the European Commission and partners on a response.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would take the issue directly to Washington, writing, “Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes.” He added that Arctic security is a NATO-wide concern and said imposing tariffs on allies for pursuing collective security was “completely wrong.”

Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with a population of roughly 57,000.

While all parties represented in Greenland’s parliament support eventual independence, they disagree on timing and have said they would prefer remaining within Denmark rather than becoming part of the United States, Reuters reported.