Outside Copenhagen Airport, a massive billboard makes a clear statement: “GREENLAND ISN’T FOR SALE. But luckily this is, Mr. President.” To the right, a bright red clown nose labeled “CLOWN NOSE” underscores the message, reflecting local sentiment toward U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to acquire the Arctic territory.
The billboard comes amid widespread protests in Denmark and Greenland opposing Trump’s proposal, which has escalated diplomatic tensions. Trump has argued that Greenland’s strategic location and mineral wealth make it vital to U.S. security and has not ruled out using force to take control. In response, European nations deployed military personnel to the island this week at Denmark’s request.
Meanwhile on a billboard outside the Copenhagen Airport. pic.twitter.com/ITvpPXz0pi
— ᗰᗩƳᖇᗩ (@LePapillonBlu2) January 17, 2026
In Copenhagen, demonstrators marched to the U.S. embassy chanting slogans including “Greenland is not for sale,” “No means No,” and “Hands off Greenland,” alongside the territory’s red-and-white flag. Some wore red baseball caps resembling Trump’s “Make America Great Again” hats, but emblazoned instead with “Make America Go Away.” Organizers estimated more than 20,000 people participated, roughly equivalent to the entire population of Greenland’s capital, Nuuk. Other protests were held across Denmark.
Thousands also rallied in Nuuk, led by Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen. Protesters carried flags and banners and chanted “Kalaallit Nunaat,” Greenland’s name in its native language. “I’ve come here today because I think it’s important to show that Greenland is not for sale. It is not a toy. This is our home,” said Naja Holm, a local civil servant. Nielsen addressed the crowd at the U.S. consulate, drawing loud cheers from attendees.
Julie Rademacher, chair of Uagut, an organization for Greenlanders living in Denmark, thanked supporters and said the protests were sending a broader message to the world. “We are also sending a message that you all must wake up,” she said.
Trump’s repeated statements on Greenland have sparked a diplomatic rift with Denmark, both founding NATO members. Greenland, home to roughly 57,000 people, has had significant autonomy since 1979 but remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark, which controls defense and foreign policy and funds much of the territory’s administration. Some 17,000 Greenlanders live in Denmark, and while all parties in Greenland’s parliament ultimately favor independence, most prefer remaining part of Denmark rather than joining the U.S.
Public sentiment in the U.S. is largely opposed to Trump’s efforts: a Reuters/Ipsos poll found only 17% of Americans support acquiring Greenland, with majorities of both Democrats and Republicans opposing military action. Trump dismissed the poll as “fake.”
The Copenhagen billboard and the coordinated protests in Denmark and Greenland underscore strong local resistance to any attempts to cede the island, with citizens and leaders alike making it clear that Greenland’s future will be decided by its people, not foreign powers.
