Kalaalit Nunaat – Kalaalit Pigaart – Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders. Photo: Mikael Hertoft

The sun shone on the many beautiful Greenlandic flags as we began to gather for the demonstration for Greenland and against America’s bullying and clumsy attempts to annex Greenland – and Vice President Vance’s unwelcome visit to Greenland.

The demonstration in Copenhagen followed another demonstration in Greenland’s capital Nuuk and other Greenlandic towns, which had gathered a very large portion of the population.

We were not as numerous outside the US Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark as we had hoped, but the demonstration organisers reported that we were 3,300 participants – and we were many. There was a fair portion of the Greenlandic population in Denmark, and there were also many Danes.

“TrumPutin Steal countries”, with the Greenland and Ukrainian flags. Photo: Mikael Hertoft

There were beautiful placards with slogans such as: “Greenland is not for sale”, “Make America Go Away!,”TrumPutin stealing countries.“and”Kalaallit Nunaat – Kalaallit Pigaat": Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.

There were quite a few speakers – including Mogens Lykketoft [Former Danish Social Democratic leader and UN General Assembly President] and Pelle Dragsted [Political leader of Denmark’s Red-Green Alliance (Enhedslisten), the country’s most left-wing parliamentary party]. They said the right words one would expect from such people. But the most beautiful speech was given by one of the organisers, Henriette Berthelsen.

Henriette Berthelsen speaking to the demonstration outside the US Embassy in Copenhagen on 29 March 2025. Photo: Mikael Hertoft

Henriette Berthelsen’s Speech

“Dear friends in Greenland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Faroe Islands [Another autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark], Iceland, France, Spain, England and the rest of Europe and the world. Let us stand up for everyone in Greenland, our family, friends and the new government. Let us give all the support we can to free Greenland and thereby the free world.”We are demonstrating against the violent boundary-crossing American pressure taking place against Greenland and thereby also against Denmark, NATO and the free world. An unprecedented disrespect is being shown, which is about Trump wanting to buy Greenland, as if we were a country and a people who could be bought for gold and greenbacks.

“He says he will do everything to get Greenland. The USA manipulates, makes us feel unsafe and attempts to divide us. They turn up without invitation with large Hercules aircraft and bulletproof cars and call themselves tourists, and this is before the new government is formed.”The Americans say they can make life better for us than Denmark. The reality is that the Americans have treated their indigenous peoples very badly, put them in reservations and drained their land of oil and minerals. Is that what he wants to do in Greenland?

“The Americans are quick to point fingers, but the reality is that the USA has simply abandoned places in several locations in Greenland with major environmental consequences, including a former nuclear reactor under the inland ice.”Greenland and Denmark have always laid the groundwork for peaceful cooperation.

“I am helping to organise the demonstration to avoid a feeling of powerlessness, because I believe that when we stand together, we are strongest.”I am so proud that people in Greenland have been able to show solidarity, despite unsafe and unpredictable conditions. Among other things, you have rejected a visit from the intrusive tourists, the Americans.

“The population in Greenland shows great courage, willpower, life wisdom and resources. Resources that have been developed through many generations, including by surviving in one of the harshest areas in the world... The Greenlanders deserve our support.”We have lived in peace and quiet for many years, side by side with the Americans in Greenland. We have had knowledge that there have been excellent defence agreements between the USA and Denmark about Greenland. These still apply – and one wouldn’t think they knew that in the White House.

“As the new Greenland government leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen says, it has never been more important to stand together and set aside any disagreements between our countries and instead look after the good things that strengthen our bonds. When we stand together, we are strongest.”Jens-Frederik extends his hand to Denmark. And he also says something else that is very important – and that is that he calls for equality from Denmark. We have had a relationship with Denmark for several hundred years [Greenland has been under Danish sovereignty since 1721, becoming an autonomous territory in 1979]. A relationship that needs to be renewed, so that more equal conditions are created between Greenlanders and Danes – also for us Greenlanders who live in Denmark.

“We want to be treated equally, with respect, and we want to be heard. Because what happens to Greenlanders here in Denmark affects Greenlanders in Greenland. I won’t go into details, because here it’s about something else. Let us Danes and Greenlanders work together for a better future. If there is stable, equal cooperation, we stand strongest. This is important for world peace.”But where are Greenland’s allies in the international community? Has Trump succeeded in splitting the solidarity – and what effect will that have for Greenland? Where are the Nordic countries [Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland], NATO, the UN?

“It’s as if they’re hiding in a little corner and almost whispering that they support Greenland. Greenland needs allies now who clearly and distinctly speak out with support and backing.”Greenland wants to be treated with respect and equality. Let us show the USA that we stand together with wisdom, strength and solidarity. Greenland is not for sale!"

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Mikael Hertoft is a Master of Arts in Russian and Eastern European Studies, former member of the main board of Enhedslisten [the Red-Green Alliance], and works as a teacher of Danish as a second language.