Thousands in Nuuk protest U.S. threats as Trump announces tariffs on NATO partners
Thousands marched in Nuuk after U.S. rhetoric about buying Greenland and a new tariff threat aimed at NATO countries participating in Arctic operations.
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By Torontoer Staff
Thousands of people marched through Nuuk on Saturday to oppose U.S. President Donald Trump’s insistence that the United States needs Greenland, and his threat to pursue acquisition by purchase or force. The protests came the same day Mr. Trump announced a 10 per cent tariff on imports from NATO countries that have sent troops to Greenland, with a planned rise to 25 per cent on June 1, 2026.
Organizers estimated about 5,000 attendees in Nuuk, roughly one quarter of the city’s population. Demonstrations also took place in other Greenlandic communities and in Copenhagen, where several thousand people marched to the U.S. embassy carrying Greenland flags and signs reading, “Hands off Greenland.”
The rally in Nuuk
The march began near Greenland’s parliament with a moment of silence and a rendition of the national song, Our Ancient Land. Protesters marched to the U.S. consulate chanting “Greenland is for Greenlanders,” and carrying flags and placards. Organizers said the turnout reflected widespread unease about the prospect of U.S. interest in Greenland’s resources and sovereignty.
I won’t allow him to make me feel scared and nervous anymore. I’m sick and tired of it.
Paarnaq Larsen Strom, marcher in Nuuk
Other participants framed the demonstrations as a defence of self-determination and cultural survival. Organizers who posted in local groups said they wanted to show unity and to send a direct message to Washington that Greenlanders reject being treated as a bargaining chip.
Greenland is not for sale. Greenland will not be owned by the United States. Greenland will not be governed by the United States.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Greenlandic prime minister
Militaries, diplomacy and the new tariff
The protests followed weeks of heightened rhetoric from Washington. Mr. Trump said in a social media post that several NATO countries had sent forces to Greenland “for purposes unknown” and that this posed a global risk. He announced a 10 per cent tariff on imports from those nations, increasing to 25 per cent by June 1, 2026, while also signalling a willingness to negotiate with Denmark and other governments.
Denmark organized a NATO-led mission called Operation Arctic Endurance in Greenland. Eight NATO nations, including France, Germany and Britain, have taken part in reconnaissance and support tasks, while Canada has not joined the operation. Danish Maj. Gen. Søren Andersen said allied planners, including the U.S., met in Greenland this week to discuss Arctic security and that Americans were invited to participate.
Analysts say the NATO activity so far has been limited in scale and mainly focused on monitoring and reconnaissance rather than force projection. It remains unclear how much impact the tariff announcement will have economically or diplomatically, since some of the proposed duties would layer on existing U.S. tariffs.
Talks in Washington and competing narratives
Greenlandic and Danish foreign ministers met in Washington this week with U.S. Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Officials reported only partial progress and described the discussions as an agreement to disagree, while also establishing a working group to continue talks. Copenhagen and Nuuk said the group would focus on security issues while respecting Greenland’s right to self-determination.
The White House press office framed the working group differently, saying it would “continue technical discussions on the takeover of Greenland.” That wording deepened concerns among Greenlanders and Danish officials about intent and interpretation.
- Nuuk organisers estimated about 5,000 attendees, near a quarter of the city’s population.
- Mr. Trump announced a 10 per cent tariff on certain NATO countries, rising to 25 per cent by June 1, 2026.
- Operation Arctic Endurance includes troops from eight NATO countries; Canada has not participated.
- Greenlandic and Danish ministers met U.S. officials in Washington and agreed to form a working group.
- Greenland’s government has reiterated a firm stance: Greenland is not for sale and rejects U.S. governance.
Local reaction and next steps
Demonstrators in Nuuk and elsewhere framed their response in terms of sovereignty and culture. Organisers said the protests were as much about asserting identity as about influencing foreign policy. Greenland’s leaders are pursuing diplomatic channels while pressing allies to respect the island’s self-governance.
For now, the situation remains unresolved. NATO activity in Greenland continues at a limited operational tempo, the working group is expected to meet, and public mobilisation shows sustained opposition among Greenlanders to any suggestion of transfer of control.
GreenlandprotestTrumpNATOArcticDenmark
