"Make America Go Away": Greenlanders march against Trump’s Arctic plans

Thousands of protesters in Greenland and Denmark demonstrated over President Donald Trump’s controversial efforts to acquire the Arctic island of Greenland.

The protests, held on January 17, coincided with Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on eight European countries that oppose his plan, escalating tensions over U.S. ambitions in the Arctic, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

In Copenhagen, an estimated 10,000 people gathered at City Hall Square, many wearing parody red MAGA-style hats reading “Make America Go Away” and “Nu det NUUK” — a wordplay on Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, meaning “Now it’s enough.” Similar hats appeared across Greenland, where locals marched through Nuuk in what was described as the island’s largest protest, drawing nearly a quarter of its population. Demonstrators carried banners reading “Hands off Greenland” and chanted slogans supporting self-governance.

“We have to support Greenland,” said protester Susanne Kristensen. “We are Danes, Greenlanders are Danes, even though they’re Greenlanders, and we just have to stick together.”

Some participants expressed concern that speaking out against Trump might affect their ability to travel to the U.S., while others vowed to avoid visiting until his presidency ends. For many, the protests marked their first-ever political demonstration, reflecting widespread frustration over what locals see as a “circus” of U.S. demands.

Danish foreign intelligence has advised government bodies to stop using Bluetooth headphones, including Apple’s AirPods, over fears they could be used for eavesdropping.

The warning, reported by the newspaper, highlights long-standing vulnerabilities in Bluetooth technology and comes amid rising tensions over US claims on Greenland. Experts have previously warned that devices relying on Bluetooth could be intercepted, potentially exposing sensitive information.

Danish broadcaster added that the guidance has also been shared with police officers and other state officials, as authorities seek to tighten security against possible surveillance threats.

Trump has framed Greenland as strategically important for U.S. security and rich in minerals, even suggesting military force could be used. In response, Denmark has deployed military personnel to Greenland, and the European countries threatened with tariffs are reportedly considering restrictions on U.S. companies in retaliation.

Greenland, home to roughly 57,000 people, remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark, enjoying significant autonomy. All parties in its parliament support independence from U.S. control while preferring to remain part of Denmark. Polls indicate only 17% of Americans back Trump’s Greenland ambitions, with strong bipartisan opposition to using military force.

The protests reflect growing international resistance to Trump’s Arctic ambitions and underscore Greenlanders’ commitment to self-determination, even amid external pressures and economic threats.

By Aghakazim Guliyev