Large crowds expected for ‘Hands off Greenland’ protests

Large-scale protests are expected across Greenland and Denmark on Saturday in response to US President Donald Trump’s plans to annex the Arctic island. Thousands of people participated in demonstrations organized by Greenlandic associations, voicing opposition to the illegal attempt to undermine Greenland’s sovereignty.

Protesters are to gather in key Danish cities, including Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg, and Odense, as well as in the Greenlandic capital, Nuuk. The mobilization was led by civil society groups such as Uagut, Inuit, and the citizens’ movement “Hands Off Greenland.”

“The aim is to send a clear and unified message of respect for Greenland’s democracy and fundamental human rights,” said Uagut on its official website.

In Nuuk, demonstrators will begin marching at 4:00 pm local time toward the US consulate, carrying Greenlandic flags and signs rejecting foreign interference. In Copenhagen, the rally began at 12:00 pm, with protesters stopping at the US embassy to express opposition to Washington’s plans.

Protesters demand respect for self-determination
Julie Rademacher, chairwoman of Uagut, called for unity among Greenlanders amid what she described as mounting pressure: “When tensions rise, and people go into a state of alarm, we risk creating more problems than solutions for ourselves and for each other. We appeal to Greenlanders in both Greenland and Denmark to stand together.”

Organizers emphasized that the demonstrations will be a collective stand for democracy, respect for international law, and Greenland’s right to self-determination.

“With this demonstration, we want to show that we are taking action, that we stand together and that we support our politicians, diplomats and partners,” said organiser Kristian Johansen. Avijaja Rosing-Olsen added: “We demand respect for our country’s right to self-determination and for us as a people… This is not only our struggle, it is a struggle that concerns the entire world.”

The protests follow a controversial statement by Trump on Friday, where he warned he “may put a tariff” on countries that oppose his administration’s plans to control Greenland. The Arctic island is an autonomous territory of Denmark, and such remarks were met with strong condemnation.

Trump’s Greenland remarks draw global backlash
Senior Trump adviser Stephen Miller told Fox News that “positive early talks” had taken place between US, Danish, and Greenlandic officials, but he reaffirmed the president’s stance: “They want us to spend hundreds of billions of dollars defending a territory… but they say while we do this, it belongs 100 percent to Denmark.”

The demonstrations coincided with a visit by a bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers to Copenhagen. The delegation made clear that Trump’s ambitions regarding Greenland were not shared by the broader American political establishment.

According to a poll published in January 2025, 85 percent of Greenlanders oppose the territory joining the United States, while only six percent expressed support.

The strong public response reflects growing concern in both Greenland and Denmark over the US president’s territorial ambitions. Activists and civil society organizations continue to stress the importance of international legal principles and Greenland’s autonomy.

As the political discourse intensifies, Saturday’s demonstrations served as a powerful reminder that Greenlanders are prepared to defend their sovereignty and demand that international law and democratic values be upheld.