Greenland witnessed significant protests on Saturday, as hundreds gathered in the capital city, Nuuk, to demonstrate against U.S. President Donald Trump and his renewed interest in acquiring the strategically important Arctic island.
Protesters send clear message: Greenland belongs to Greenlanders
Up to 800 people participated in a demonstration outside the U.S. Consulate in Nuuk, carrying banners and chanting slogans in Greenlandic: “Kalaallit Nunaat” (Greenland), making it clear that the island is “Not for sale”.
The rally was organized in response to Trump’s repeated statements about American control over Greenland. Protest organizer Orla Joelsen delivered a direct message to Trump, urging him to “stop talking about taking over Greenland.”
Political leaders unite in opposition
Prominent political figures from across the spectrum attended the demonstration. Greenland’s acting Premier, Múte B. Egede, leader of the Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA), delivered an impassioned speech highlighting unity against external threats to Greenland’s sovereignty.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of the Demokraatit party and winner of the recent election, echoed Egede’s sentiments, declaring, “Enough is enough.” Nielsen emphasized the demonstration’s importance in uniting Greenlanders against “inappropriate rhetoric from America.”
‘Make America Go Away’: A new twist on Trump’s slogan
Protesters creatively adapted Trump’s own slogan, “Make America Great Again,” into “Make America Go Away,” capturing their sentiments towards the American president’s policy.
Participants expressed pessimism about influencing Trump’s actions but emphasized the importance of visibly standing united against foreign interference.
Historic turnout underscores local sentiment
Lasse Lindegaard, a reporter for Danish broadcaster DR, described the protest as historically significant, quoting a resident who had “never seen so many people gathered in Nuuk in 40 years.”
The demonstration concluded with the singing of Greenland’s national anthem, followed by cheers as participants placed their banners and flags in front of the U.S. consulate.
With the world closely watching, Greenlanders have made their stance unmistakably clear: their homeland is not up for negotiation.
