Demonstrations took place in Copenhagen and other cities across Denmark and Greenland on Saturday, as citizens voiced their dismay and bewilderment over President Donald Trump's repeated expressions of interest in acquiring Greenland and his criticisms of the Danish military. The protests reflected a growing sense of betrayal among some Danes, who viewed Trump's pronouncements as a threat to the long-standing alliance between the two nations.

Henrik Bager, a Danish soldier who served alongside American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, described Trump's statements as "a punch to the gut." Bager expressed disappointment at what he perceived as a disregard for the close military cooperation between Denmark and the United States.

Rasmus Jarlov, a center-right member of the Danish Parliament and chairman of its Defense Committee, acknowledged the disparity in military power between the two countries, stating, "We know full well that the Americans can destroy us." However, he also asserted that Denmark would defend itself if attacked by a fellow NATO ally, a scenario he admitted was "absolutely so weird" to contemplate.

The controversy stems from Trump's repeated suggestions, dating back several years, that the United States should purchase Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. These proposals, along with Trump's criticisms of Denmark's defense spending, have strained relations between the two countries. Denmark is a key NATO ally, and Greenland's strategic location in the Arctic has made it a subject of geopolitical interest.

Casper O. Jensen, a Danish pollster with close ties to the United States, expressed a sense of disillusionment. "I thought we had a really good thing going on," he said, reflecting a sentiment shared by many Danes who had previously viewed the U.S.-Danish relationship as strong and mutually beneficial.

The Danish government has consistently rejected the idea of selling Greenland, emphasizing the island's importance to Denmark's identity and strategic interests. While the Trump administration has not formally pursued a purchase of Greenland, the president's continued interest in the territory has fueled speculation and uncertainty about the future of U.S.-Danish relations. The Danish government has not issued any new statements since the protests. The U.S. State Department has yet to comment on the demonstrations.