Public protests against US claims over Greenland demonstrate the local population’s strong aversion to President Donald Trump‘s demands to purchase or exert control over the island. On the weekend, demonstrators gathered in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, where they displayed red-and-white Danish and Greenlandic flags and carried handmade signs that criticised US claims to the territory. One prominent sign stated, “No Means No,” while another read, “Make America Smart Again.”
Caps that parody Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again“ hats have emerged as symbols of defiance among the Danish and Greenlandic communities in response to Trump’s threats regarding the territory. These caps, featuring the phrase “Make America Go Away,“ have gained significant popularity, alongside various adaptations on social media and during public demonstrations.
European governments have rallied in support of Denmark, highlighting the importance of defending Arctic regions and expressing concerns that threats against Greenland may undermine Western security. The creation of these parody caps was initiated by Jesper Rabe Tonnesen, the owner of a vintage clothing store in Copenhagen. Initial sales of the caps were modest; however, interest surged following recent escalations in the Trump administration’s rhetoric on Greenland, The Associated Press reports.
According to Tonnesen, “When a delegation from America visited Greenland, we started to realise this was not merely a jest — it is a pressing reality.“ He expressed his desire to convey a supportive message in a humorous way to unify Danes behind the people of Greenland, Tonnesen told the AP.
The demand for these hats increased dramatically, going from minimal sales to complete sellouts within a single weekend, prompting Tonnesen to order “several thousand“ additional units. His original design featured a play on words: “Nu det NUUK!“ — a variation on the Danish phrase “Nu det nok,“ which translates to “Now it’s enough,“ incorporating Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.
During this weekend’s rally, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the Prime Minister of Greenland, remarked, “The demonstrations both at home and in Denmark have shown a strong and dignified unity. Many individuals have peacefully expressed their love for our country and upheld our democratic values, for which I am deeply grateful.”
The Prime Minister emphasised that Greenlanders have received considerable support from other nations and political leaders. “This support is significant,“ he stated, “not as an interference, but as a clear acknowledgement that Greenland is a democratic society entitled to make its own decisions. Recent announcements from the US, including threats of tariffs, do not alter this principle. We will not allow ourselves to be coerced. We remain steadfast in our commitment to dialogue, respect, and adherence to international law.”
Today, Vivian Motzfeldt, the Naalakkersuisut Minister for Foreign Affairs, met with Denmark’s Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of this meeting on his Facebook account, stating, “This is where we take responsibility and assert that dialogue regarding Arctic security is conducted with us, acknowledging our role and our nation.”
