Nuuk / Copenhagen / Washington DC | January 18, 2026
Mass protests erupted across Greenland and Denmark on Saturday as thousands rallied against US President Donald Trump’s escalating threats to “take control” of the Arctic territory. Demonstrators in the Greenlandic capital Nuuk marched with national flags, chanting “Greenland is not for sale” and vowing they would not surrender their land “without a fight.”
The protest, one of the largest in Greenland’s history, drew nearly one-third of Nuuk’s population, signaling strong public outrage over Washington’s recent statements.
Protests Spread Across Denmark
Similar demonstrations took place in Copenhagen and other Danish cities, where crowds marched from city centers to US diplomatic offices in solidarity with Greenland.
Protesters condemned Trump’s remarks linking US tariffs to recognition of American control over Greenland.
Trump Hardens Stance: “No Compromise”
In recent statements, Trump warned that countries refusing to support the US plan to control Greenland could face new tariffs.
He reiterated that:
-
The US considers Greenland essential for national security
-
Washington will make no compromises on the issue
-
Tariffs may be imposed on nations opposing the plan
The remarks sparked severe political and diplomatic fallout globally.
France’s Strong Rebuke: “Europe’s Sovereignty Is Not Negotiable”
French President Emmanuel Macron issued an unusually sharp response, rejecting Trump’s pressure tactics.
Macron said threats—whether over Ukraine, Greenland, or any part of the world—would not force France to abandon its principles.
In a message posted on X, Macron declared:
“Europe’s sovereignty will not be compromised. Any unilateral tariff threats are unacceptable.”
He emphasized that Europe would deliver a unified and coordinated response if the US proceeds with punitive measures.
UK Also Objects to Trump’s Tariff Warnings
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also criticized Trump’s approach, calling the tariff threat against NATO allies “completely wrong.”
Starmer stated that:
-
Tariffs between allies undermine collective security
-
The UK will raise the issue directly with Washington
-
The future of Greenland must be determined only by Denmark and the people of Greenland
European Commission Issues Caution
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that such tariffs could badly damage transatlantic relations and trigger a dangerous economic spiral.
She reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to:
-
Sovereignty and territorial integrity
-
Support for Denmark and Greenland
-
International law as the foundation of global stability
The EU has called an emergency meeting on Sunday to formulate a collective stance on the proposed US tariffs.
