• Protests across Denmark and Greenland show unity against Trump's acquisition threats.
• Thousands gather, chanting "Greenland is not for sale" and supporting self-determination.
• Demonstrations coincide with a U.S. congressional delegation's visit to Copenhagen.
• Polls indicate 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the U.S.
• Trump's administration faces bipartisan criticism over the takeover approach.

Thousands of protesters filled the streets of Denmark on January 17, 2026, opposing U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. Demonstrations took place in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg, and Nuuk, where participants carried flags and chanted slogans to assert the island’s right to self-determination, reflecting strong local opposition to Trump's statements about potentially annexing the territory, considered strategic due to its mineral wealth and location.

The planned protests were organized by various Greenlandic associations. Uagut, an organization representing Greenlanders in Denmark, expressed the aim of the protests to deliver a unified message that emphasizes respect for Greenland's democracy and fundamental human rights. Protests were notably marked by calls for unity from Uagut chairwoman Julie Rademacher, who stated that recent geopolitical tensions "put Greenland and Greenlanders in both Greenland and Denmark under pressure," urging solidarity among participants across both regions, according to Channel News Asia and The Local.

The protests were sparked by Trump's recent warnings about imposing tariffs on nations opposed to U.S. control of Greenland, further igniting indignation among the citizens. The demonstrators echoed sentiments that "Greenland is not for sale," an assertion to numerous media outlets during the event. Significantly, Rademacher highlighted that these demonstrations symbolize Greenlanders becoming "the front in the fight for democracy and human rights," underscoring their commitment to international legal principles, a notion reinforced in reports by Le Monde and Reuters.

Support for Greenland showcased a unique cross-cultural alliance as Danish and Greenlandic citizens united against perceived external infringements on their sovereignty. Demonstrators also planned sister protests in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, with gatherings numbering over 15,000 reported in Copenhagen alone as of press time, having caused significant traffic disruptions in the Danish capital. Political commentary regarding the situation noted that while Trump claimed Greenland's strategic importance for U.S. security, many lawmakers have opposed this view, stating the idea undermines diplomatic stability in the region, as indicated by South China Morning Post and Africa News.

As international tensions mount, local leaders have expressed that remaining with Denmark may be the best option for Greenland rather than seeking U.S. annexation, highlighting the ongoing struggle for self-determination among Greenlanders. According to recent polls, 85% of Greenlanders oppose any move towards closer ties with the U.S., a sentiment that was echoed by protestors rallying for their right to define their political destiny, a point noted in reports from Al Jazeera and Anadolu Agency.