“Make America Go Away.” This is incredible and interesting. Greenland and Denmark witnessed rare, large-scale protests over the weekend as thousands of people rallied against US President Donald Trump’s renewed push to seize control of the Arctic island. What stood out most was not just the size of the demonstrations, but the symbol that quickly went viral: a bright red parody MAGA hat reading “Make America Go Away.”
Across Copenhagen, Nuuk, and other cities within the Danish realm, demonstrators rejected Trump’s claim that Greenland should fall under US control for “security reasons.” In Denmark’s capital alone, an estimated 10,000 people gathered at City Hall Square, many wearing the satirical caps that mimic Trump’s iconic campaign headwear while flipping its message entirely.
The hats also carried local meaning. Some read “Nu det NUUK”—a wordplay referencing Greenland’s capital and translating roughly to “Now it’s enough.” Others featured Greenland’s flag stitched on the side. The hats became so popular that they reportedly sold out online across Denmark within days.
In Nuuk, Greenland’s snow-covered capital, thousands of residents marched through icy streets chanting slogans like “Hands off Greenland” and “Greenland is not for sale.” For a city of just over 19,000 people, the rally was historic—drawing nearly a quarter of the population. Many described it as the largest protest the island has ever seen.
“We have to support Greenland,” said Danish protester Susanne Kristensen in comments to NBC News. “We are Danes, Greenlanders are Greenlanders, but we belong together.” Greenland remains an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, which controls its defense and foreign policy.
Some protesters admitted they feared speaking out, worrying that criticizing Trump could affect their ability to travel to the United States. Others were more defiant. “I won’t go there until he’s out,” Kristensen added. Another demonstrator, 57-year-old Almond, said it was the first protest of his life—but one he felt compelled to join.
Tensions escalated further when Trump announced a 10 percent import tariff, set to begin in February, on goods from eight European countries opposing his Greenland ambitions. The move drew sharp criticism across Europe, with reports suggesting the bloc is considering retaliatory restrictions on US companies.
“I thought this day couldn’t get any worse, but it just did,” said Malik Dollerup-Scheibel during the Nuuk protest. “It shows he has no remorse for any kind of human being.” Demonstrations were also held in Denmark and in Nunavut, Canada, in solidarity with Greenlanders.
Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland’s strategic Arctic location and mineral resources make it vital to US national security. He has not ruled out the use of military force—comments that prompted European nations to deploy additional military personnel to the island at Denmark’s request.
Despite Trump’s rhetoric, public support for the idea remains weak. Recent polls show only 17 percent of Americans back the effort, while opposition is even stronger in Greenland itself. All major parties in Greenland’s parliament favor eventual independence—but overwhelmingly reject becoming part of the United States.
