In an ironic twist, residents of Greenland and Denmark have taken to wearing bright red hats reminiscent of Donald Trump's iconic campaign merchandise, but with a distinctly defiant message. Instead of 'Make America Great Again', these hats boldly state: 'Make America Go Away.'
A Pun-Filled Protest Against US Ambitions
The protest movement, which gained momentum over the weekend of January 19, 2026, is a direct response to the White House's renewed and aggressive campaign to acquire the independently run Danish territory of Greenland. The spoof hats feature a clever pun on the front: 'Nu det NUUK', which translates from Danish as 'Enough is enough' and references Greenland's capital city, Nuuk.
The creative force behind the hats is Greenlandic artist Aannguaq Reimer-Johansen, who designed them earlier this year. In a powerful Facebook post this month, he appealed to his American followers for support, stating a core principle of the resistance: 'Greenland is not land to be bought. We, the people, are not something to purchase.' He emphasised, 'We are people. Not property.'
Widespread Demonstrations Across the North Atlantic
The symbolic headwear accompanied significant physical protests. In Greenland, one in ten residents—a substantial proportion of the island's 56,000-strong population, predominantly Inuit—demonstrated against what they see as a threat to their homeland.
Greenland resident Malik Dollerup-Scheibel, 21, captured the mood of dismay, telling news outlets: 'I thought this day couldn't get any worse, but it just did. It just shows he has no remorse for any kind of human being now.'
Solidarity was palpable in Denmark, where at least 10,000 Danes gathered in Copenhagen. They chanted 'Greenland is not for sale' and held placards reading 'Hands off Greenland'. First-time protester Flemming Almind told NBC News the cause compelled him to act, while Susanne Kristensen summed up the sentiment: 'We are Danes, Greenland are Danes, even though they're Greenlanders, and we just have to stick together.'
Geopolitical Tensions and Public Opinion
The protests were catalysed by President Trump's escalation of his long-standing interest in Greenland, framed under national security concerns. His campaign recently included threats of tariffs on NATO allies—a defence alliance that includes the US, Denmark, and Greenland itself.
Public opinion appears to be against the proposed acquisition. A CNN poll found that 74% of Americans do not support making Greenland part of the United States, aligning with the fierce desire for autonomy expressed by the Greenlandic people.
This grassroots movement, blending satire with serious political statement, underscores a deep-seated resilience. It highlights the determination of Greenland's inhabitants to protect their identity and sovereignty against external geopolitical manoeuvres.
