In a humorous twist on international politics, a satirical petition from Denmark is making headlines by proposing that the country purchase California from the United States. This initiative, which has already attracted over 200.000 signatures, serves as a playful counter to President Donald Trump’s repeated suggestions about American ownership of Greenland.
Behind the petition
Since returning to the presidency, Donald Trump has floated several controversial ideas—ranging from turning Canada into the 51st US state to taking over the Panama Canal and even proposing US ownership of Gaza. However, his most recent notion to buy Greenland, an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty, has ignited strong reactions both in Denmark and internationally. As a direct and witty response, a satirical petition has been launched to “buy California” instead.
The satirical petition
Hosted on the website Denmarkification.com, the petition clearly states its satirical nature while using humor to engage with serious geopolitical debates. The campaign’s tongue-in-cheek message includes a memorable quote:
“Have you ever looked at a map and thought, ‘You know what Denmark needs? More sunshine, palm trees, and roller skates.’ Well, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make that dream a reality. Let’s buy California from Donald Trump!”
This rallying cry is complemented by playful endorsements from fictional characters, such as H.C. Andersen and a Viking named Sven, further emphasizing the humorous intent behind the campaign.
Why Denmark should ‘buy’ California
The petition presents itself as a direct response to Trump’s proposal to purchase Greenland, flipping the script by suggesting that Denmark should instead acquire California. In doing so, it highlights the absurdity of such territorial negotiations through humor and exaggeration.
A major theme of the campaign is cultural integration, with the petition promising to introduce a distinct Danish flavor to California. Supporters humorously claim that the deal would bring “hygge to Hollywood,” bike lanes to Beverly Hills, and organic smørrebrød to every street corner.
The financial aspect of the proposal is equally satirical, suggesting that each Danish citizen should contribute 200,000 kroner to reach the goal of one trillion kroner. This exaggerated funding plan reinforces the absurdity of the idea while making light of the financial scale of international acquisitions.
Finally, the campaign’s slogan, “Måke Califørnia Great Ægain,” is a playful nod to political catchphrases, cleverly incorporating elements of Danish language and culture to emphasize the comedic nature of the initiative.
International and political reactions
The petition has garnered attention from renowned media outlets, including The Guardian, DW News, and The Independent. These outlets highlight the cleverness of the initiative and its reflection of current geopolitical debates.
Moreover, the proposal indirectly underscores the strained relationship between President Trump and California’s leadership. Trump has previously labeled California as “the most ruined state in the union,” a remark that has further fueled tensions between his administration and California’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom. In response to these developments, the petition humorously implies that Trump might be willing to part with California for the right price.
On the political front, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has firmly stated on national television that “Greenland is not for sale,” asserting that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.” Similarly, Greenland’s own leadership has emphasized the territory’s right to self-determination, reinforcing that any discussion of ownership is, at its heart, a serious issue cloaked in satire.
Dialogue on serious topics
While the Danish petition to buy California is clearly a work of satire, it has effectively sparked dialogue on serious topics such as national sovereignty, cultural identity, and international political ambitions. By using humor and creative rhetoric, the initiative not only entertains but also highlights the absurdity of territorial claims in modern geopolitics.
This playful campaign serves as a reminder that, even in times of tense political rhetoric, humor can be a powerful tool for public discourse—bridging cultural divides and provoking thought on global issues.
