Massive Protests Erupt in Greenland Amid US Acquisition Efforts

Greenland witnessed its largest-ever protest on January 19, 2026, as thousands of residents took to the streets in Nuuk and other towns to oppose U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive push to acquire the autonomous Danish territory. Demonstrators, waving Greenlandic and Danish flags, chanted slogans against what they perceive as imperialistic overreach, with signs reading “Greenland is Not for Sale” and calls for preserving sovereignty.

The protests stem from Trump’s repeated threats, including potential military action and tariffs on opposing nations, which have heightened fears of forced annexation. Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte B. Egede condemned the U.S. pressure, stating it undermines the island’s self-determination and could lead to irreversible damage to international norms. Polls show Greenlanders deeply divided, with some weighing independence from Denmark as a drastic alternative to avoid U.S. control, while others advocate staying under Danish rule for stability.

The unrest has drawn global attention, with European leaders expressing solidarity during an EU emergency summit, and warnings that U.S. actions could fracture NATO. Amid the turmoil, Greenland’s government has appealed to the United Nations for mediation, emphasizing the island’s strategic importance due to its mineral resources and Arctic position in the face of climate change. The protests remained peaceful but highlighted growing anxiety over potential economic and security repercussions from the dispute.