A large public protest swept across Greenland as nearly 10 per cent of the island’s population came together to oppose repeated statements by US President Donald Trump about taking control of the region. On Saturday, demonstrators held placards, waved Greenland’s national flag, and loudly chanted “Greenland is not for sale” to show their resistance to what they see as growing pressure from the United States.

The march began in the small central area of Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, and moved towards the US consulate. The protest followed reports that Trump planned to impose a 10 per cent tariff from February on eight European countries that have opposed US claims over Greenland.

Anger Grows After Tariff Threat

Many protesters said Trump’s latest announcement added to their frustration. Malik Dollerup-Scheibel reacted strongly after learning about the tariff decision.

“I thought this day couldn’t get any worse, but it just did,” he said. “It just shows he has no remorse for any kind of human being now.”

Trump has long argued that the United States should take over Greenland, calling the territory vital for American national security.

Why Greenland Is Strategically Important

Greenland’s location in the Arctic and its large reserves of raw minerals have made it strategically important on the global stage. These factors have increased international interest in the island. Tensions surrounding Greenland have risen further in recent weeks, particularly after a US military operation earlier this month that removed former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro.

Protests Spread Beyond Greenland

Support for Greenland’s position was also visible outside the island. Rallies and solidarity marches were held across the Danish realm, including in Copenhagen. Demonstrations also took place in the capital of Nunavut, the Inuit-governed territory in northern Canada.

“This is important for the whole world,” said Danish protester Elise Riechie as she held both Danish and Greenlandic flags. “There are many small countries. None of them is for sale.”

Families Join March in Nuuk

In Nuuk, people of all ages took part in the march. Many listened to traditional songs as they walked together toward the consulate. For some families, the protest was also about teaching children the value of speaking out.

Marie Pedersen, a 47-year-old Greenlander, said she brought her children to show them “that they’re allowed to speak up”.

“We want to keep our own country and our own culture, and our family safe,” she said.

Message to the American People

When asked what she would say directly to Trump, 40-year-old Greenlandic nurse Louise Lennert Olsen said she preferred to address the people of the United States instead.

“I would really like them to support our wish to be Greenland as we are now,” she said while marching through Nuuk. “I hope they will stand against their own president. Because I can’t believe they just stand and watch and do nothing.”

The protests reflected a strong and unified message from Greenlanders, who say their land, culture, and future are not open for negotiation.