Thousands participate in ‘Hands off Greenland’ rallies

President Trump is threatening to impose new tariffs on Denmark and several other European countries unless there’s a deal to purchase Greenland. 

This latest move comes as thousands of people in Greenland and Denmark protested the proposal for the U.S. to take over the Arctic landmark.

Crowds shouting “Greenland is for Greenlanders!” Saturday, as people in Greenland express outrage over the recent threats to take over the Nordic island.

“We are not for sale,” one protester said.

In the capital of Nuuk, thousands of people turned out. In similar, protests were held in Denmark. 

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark.

“Greenland should be free, and Greenland should be for the Greenlanders, not for the Americans,” another protester said.

For months, President Trump has insisted the U.S. should control Greenland. It’s far north location makes it ideal for missile early warning systems and monitoring vessels in the region.

“We need Greenland for national security,” Trump said.

Saturday, the president ramped up his threats against countries opposing the U.S. acquiring Greenland, posting on Truth Social starting on Feb. 1, several European countries “will be charged a 10% tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America. On June 1, the Tariff will be increased to 25%.”

Earlier this week, Denmark and several other NATO countries sent troops to Greenland for exercises in an apparent signal of NATO opposition to the apparent threat of an American seizure of the Arctic landmass.

Any American military move on Greenland could trigger article five of the NATO treaty, which says an attack on one NATO territory is an attack on all. 

President Trump’s threats are drawing criticism from both sides of the political aisle on Capitol Hill. 

It’s also an unpopular opinion among Americans, according to a new CNN poll. The survey shows that 75% oppose the U.S. attempting to take control of Greenland.