Protests have broken out in Greenland and Denmark in opposition to Donald Trump’s repeated assertions of annexing the island territory, with the US President threatening additional tariffs on nations that oppose his acquisition plans.
In Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, large crowds of protesters filled the streets, brandishing the territory’s red and white flag and asserting that Greenland is not up for sale. Trump contends that US control of Greenland is crucial for national security, a claim strongly refuted by Denmark, which has permitted the US to deploy more troops on the island but flatly refused to “trade people” to Washington DC.
In response to nations challenging his annexation intentions, Trump has announced intentions to impose a 10 percent tariff on the UK and other countries, with a possible increase to 25 percent by June 1 until an agreement is reached for the full purchase of Greenland.
Keir Starmer responded by emphasizing that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and its fate rests with Greenlanders and Danes. He stressed the importance of Arctic Security for NATO and urged allies to enhance collective security efforts against Russian threats in the Arctic. Starmer condemned the imposition of tariffs on allies in pursuit of NATO security, vowing to address the matter directly with the US administration.
According to a survey conducted by Verian in January 2025, the majority of Greenlanders either support independence or prefer to remain under Danish sovereignty, with only six percent expressing interest in joining the US. Any attempt to forcibly take Greenland, a territory of NATO member Denmark, would compel NATO allies to intervene.
Greenlanders took to the streets in Nuuk to voice their opposition to US involvement, expressing a desire to maintain independence or Danish affiliation. The historic ties between Denmark and the US have traditionally been viewed as steadfast and dependable by the Danes. Greenland has been a self-governing entity within Denmark since 2009.