Thousands rally against Trump’s renewed bid to acquire the Arctic territory
January 18, 2026: Greenland witnessed its largest organised demonstrations to date as thousands of residents took to the streets to protest renewed US interest in acquiring the autonomous Arctic territory. In the capital Nuuk, demonstrators marched through snow-lined roads carrying flags and placards reading “Greenland is not for sale,” before heading towards the US Consulate under police supervision. Authorities said nearly one in four of Nuuk’s residents participated, an extraordinary turnout for a city of fewer than 20,000 people, with parallel protests also held across Greenland and in Denmark.
The demonstrations coincided with escalating rhetoric from US President Donald Trump, who has once again linked Greenland to broader strategic and economic pressure on Europe. Trump announced a 10% tariff on imports from several European countries beginning February 1, warning that duties could rise to 25% from June if negotiations over Greenland fail to yield an agreement. The announcement sparked concern among European governments and businesses, with critics viewing the move as an attempt to use trade leverage to advance US strategic interests in the Arctic.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen joined the Nuuk march, publicly backing the message of self-determination as frustration grew following news of the tariff threat. Trump has argued that Greenland is vital to US defence needs, citing long-standing strategic interest and modern security systems, claims that have unsettled Denmark and other NATO allies. The proposed tariffs are expected to rely on emergency powers under US law, a move now facing legal scrutiny as the Supreme Court prepares to rule on whether such authority can be used to impose trade duties.