skip to contentAdvertisementThe group is led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, who said Trump’s language on Greenland was “not constructive”.By: Express Web Desk January 18, 2026 05:17 AM IST First published on: Jan 18, 2026 at 05:16 AM IST ShareWhatsapptwitterFacebookA crowd walks to the US consulate to protest against Trump's policy towards Greenland in Nuuk, Greenland, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)Thousands of people in Greenland and Denmark have protested against comments by US President Donald Trump about taking control of Greenland, an autonomous territory under Danish rule.Demonstrations were held in Greenland’s capital Nuuk and in several Danish cities, including Copenhagen. Protesters waved Greenland’s red-and-white flag and held signs reading “Hands off Greenland” and “Greenland for Greenlanders”.The protests took place as a delegation from the US Congress arrived in Copenhagen. The group is led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, who said Trump’s language on Greenland was “not constructive”.Why Trump wants GreenlandTrump says Greenland is important for US national security. The island lies between North America and the Arctic and is seen as key for monitoring shipping routes and missile threats. It is also rich in natural resources.A boy holds a crossed out map of Greenland topped by a hairpiece symbolizing U.S. President Donald Trump, during a protest against Trump’s policy towards Greenland in front of the US consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo)He has not ruled out taking Greenland by force. In the past, Trump said the US would get the territory “the easy way” or “the hard way”, which many took as a reference to buying the island or using military pressure.Story continues below this adTrump threatens tariffsOn Saturday, Trump announced new tariffs on European countries that oppose his plan. Writing on his Truth Social platform, he said goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland would face a 10% tariff from 1 February.He warned the tariff would rise to 25% from 1 June “until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland”. He accused these countries of playing “a very dangerous game”.What protesters sayIn Copenhagen, Greenlandic politician Erik Jensen told Reuters: “It’s very important that we stay together and show that Greenland is not for sale and we would not like to be an American or be annexed by the USA.”The protests were organised by Greenlandic and Danish non-government groups. Camilla Siezing, head of Inuit, an umbrella body of Greenlandic associations, said: “We demand respect for the Danish Realm and for Greenland’s right to self-determination.”Story continues below this adAlso read ‘Dumbest thing I have ever heard’: Republican Congressman says Donald Trump could be impeached if he invades GreenlandIn Nuuk, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen joined demonstrators marching towards the US consulate. They carried signs saying “Greenland is not for sale” and “We shape our future”. Opinion polls suggest about 85% of Greenlanders are against joining the United States.Europe backs DenmarkSeveral European countries have voiced support for Denmark, saying security in the Arctic should be handled jointly through Nato.People protest against Trump’s policy towards Greenland in front of the US consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands and the UK have sent small numbers of troops to Greenland as part of what they describe as a reconnaissance mission.Most Read1Indian embassy says vessel with 16 Indian crew members detained in Iran, seeks consular access2Trump imposes 10% tariff on UK, France, Denmark other European countries for opposing US control of Greenland3‘Nobel Prize and laureate are inseparable’: Nobel Institute on Machado gifting her medal to Trump4‘Islamic Republic will fall,’ says exiled crown prince as he urges world to back Iran protesters5Iran’s leader Khamenei calls Trump a ‘criminal’, blames US president for inciting deadly protests6Trump warns he could impose tariffs on countries opposed to US controlling GreenlandMany in the US have also questioned the idea of acquiring Greenland. Most members of the congressional delegation visiting Denmark are Democrats, though it also includes some moderate Republicans.Story continues below this adAlso read Greenlanders are not chess pieces. Any attempt to ‘buy’ or ‘occupy’ Greenland revives memories of imperial arrogance“There are legitimate reasons for us to explore ways to invest better in Arctic security,” Senator Coons said, “both in the American Arctic and with our Nato partners.”However, the US ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, said Greenlanders would be “safer, stronger and more prosperous under the umbrella of the United States”. He told Fox News that Denmark “doesn’t have the resources or the capacity” to manage the region.AdvertisementLoading Taboola...Top story1Indian embassy says vessel with 16 Indian crew members detained in Iran, seeks consular access2Trump imposes 10% tariff on UK, France, Denmark other European countries for opposing US control of Greenland3‘Nobel Prize and laureate are inseparable’: Nobel Institute on Machado gifting her medal to Trump4‘Islamic Republic will fall,’ says exiled crown prince as he urges world to back Iran protesters5Iran’s leader Khamenei calls Trump a ‘criminal’, blames US president for inciting deadly protestsAdvertisement