Thousands took to the streets of Denmark's capital Copenhagen on Saturday to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's desire to take control of Denmark's autonomous territory — Greenland, LETA reported, citing AFP.
Waving flags of Denmark and Greenland, protesters created a red-and-white sea near the Copenhagen City Hall, chanting "Kalaallit Nunaat!" — the name of the island in Greenlandic.
Thousands announced their participation in the marches and rallies organized by Greenlandic associations in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg, Odense, as well as in the capital of Greenland — Nuuk.
"The goal is to send a clear and united signal about the need to respect democracy and the fundamental rights of Greenland," stated the association of Greenlanders living in Denmark, called Uagut, on its website.
"Recent events have put pressure on Greenland and its residents both on the island and in Denmark," said Uagut chairwoman Julia Rademacher to AFP, calling for unity.
"When tensions rise and people fall into a state of anxiety, we risk creating more problems than solutions — for ourselves and for each other. We urge Greenlanders — both in Greenland and in Denmark — to maintain unity," she added.
According to a survey published in January 2025, 85% of Greenland's residents oppose the island joining the United States, while only 6% support it.
A delegation from the U.S. Congress, with representatives from both parties, arrived in Copenhagen to express disagreement with the actions of the Trump administration.
Speaking in Copenhagen, where the congressional delegation met with senior politicians and business leaders from Denmark and Greenland, Democratic Senator Chris Coons emphasized that Greenland is not facing any real threat that could justify the Trump administration's position.
Trump advisor Stephen Miller previously stated in an interview with Fox News that Denmark is too small to defend its sovereign Arctic territory.
"Greenland has no current security threats, but we have shared and legitimate concerns about the future security of the Arctic in light of climate change, melting sea ice, and changing shipping routes," Coons told reporters.
"We have compelling reasons to explore opportunities for broader investments in Arctic security — both in its American part and in the interests of our NATO partners and allies," noted the senator, who leads the American delegation.
Trump has repeatedly criticized Denmark for what he perceives as insufficient efforts to secure Greenland.
On Friday, Trump warned that he might "impose tariffs" on countries that oppose his plans for Greenland.
Meanwhile, NATO member countries are deploying troops to Greenland for exercises aimed at showing the world, including the U.S., that they are ready to defend their sovereignty, French Armed Forces Minister Alys Ruffo stated this week.
France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, Germany, and Sweden announced that they are sending a small number of troops to prepare for future exercises in the Arctic.
The U.S. has also been invited to participate in these exercises, Denmark reported on Friday.
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