'Greenland Not For Sale': Show Of Unity As Thousands March Against Trump's Takeover Push

Last Updated:January 18, 2026, 09:04 IST

Many protesters said frustration had reached a tipping point after repeated statements from Trump suggesting the United States would take Greenland “one way or the other.”

People attend a protest against Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the US | Reuters Image

Thousands of people took to the streets across Greenland on Saturday in the largest coordinated protests the Arctic island has witnessed, pushing back against renewed calls by US President Donald Trump to take control of the territory and reaffirming support for self-rule.

In the capital Nuuk, demonstrators marched through snow- and ice-covered streets, waving Greenland’s red-and-white flag and holding placards reading “Greenland is not for sale."

Protesters chanted slogans in Greenlandic as they walked from the city centre to the US Consulate, which was secured by police.

According to organisers and local authorities, nearly a quarter of Nuuk’s population joined the rally, an unprecedented turnout for a city of under 20,000 people.

Similar demonstrations were reported in other towns across Greenland, as well as in Copenhagen and other Danish cities.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen joined the march in Nuuk, briefly climbing a snowbank to raise the national flag as crowds cheered.

Many protesters said frustration had reached a tipping point after repeated statements from Trump suggesting the United States would take Greenland “one way or the other."

“We said it last year and we will keep saying it: we are not for sale," said Isak Berthelsen, an electrician who joined the rally, adding that repeating the message showed Greenlanders had “their own voice."

As the protest concluded, news emerged that Trump had announced a 10 per cent tariff on imports from Denmark and several other European countries opposing US control of Greenland, set to take effect in February.

The announcement dampened spirits among some demonstrators but also hardened resolve. “This is a fight for freedom," said former Greenland lawmaker Tillie Martinussen, as others stressed that autonomy mattered more than economic pressure.

Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is vital to US national security, citing growing competition in the Arctic.

The White House reiterated this position last week, saying the president believes US control of the island is necessary to counter potential influence from China and Russia. These remarks have raised concerns within Nato and fuelled anxiety in Greenland and Denmark.

The protests came amid heightened diplomatic and military activity in the region. Several European Nato members, including France, Germany, Sweden and Norway, have announced troop deployments to Greenland as part of Danish-led security exercises aimed at strengthening Arctic defence.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has described the situation as serious, warning that Washington’s ambitions regarding Greenland remain unchanged.

News world 'Greenland Not For Sale': Show Of Unity As Thousands March Against Trump's Takeover Push

Read More