Donald Trump has made no secret of wanting to acquire Greenland(Image: Getty Images)In a cheeky response to Donald Trump’s desire to claim Greenland for the US, a petition has cropped up urging Denmark to buy the state of California and “bring hygge to Hollywood”. The tongue-in-cheek appeal said: “Have you ever looked at a map and thought: ‘You know what Denmark needs? More sunshine, palm trees, and roller skates? Well, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make that dream a reality.”
As of Wednesday mid-morning, the website hosting the petition boasted over 200,000 signees, and is aiming for a total of half a million. It estimates the state would cost ‘one trillion dollars (give or take a few billion). That’s just 200,000 kroner from every Dane’.
It goes on to suggest: “It is in the national interest to promote the extraordinary heritage of our Nation, so California will become New Denmark.”
While it’s all in jest, there is a Danish-influenced city in Southern California. Dubbed the ‘Danish capital of America’, Solvang was established by a trio of Danish immigrants back in 1911.
Tourists flock to the city for its delightful aebleskiver treats, Scandinavian windmills, the main drag named “Copenhagen Drive”, and the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, celebrating the renowned Danish yarn-spinner. Over the years, Danish royals too have popped by on several occasions.
‘Nasty’
In 2019, Mr Trump axed a trip to Denmark and claimed the reason was that Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen made a ‘nasty’ comment by dismissing his idea to buy Greenland during his first term as ludicrous. Greenland, a semi-autonomous region belonging to the US ally – known for its expansive Arctic landscape and mineral resources – is once again caught up in controversy.
Now in his second term, Mr Trump is once again pushing the issue. Prior to assuming office last month, the US President mentioned he would not dismiss military action to take control of the island, highlighting its importance to American national security.
Ms Frederiksen and Mute B Egede, Greenland’s Prime Minister, stand firm on the issue.
“Greenland is for the Greenlandic people. We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic,” declared Mr Egede during a press conference with Ms Frederiksen in Copenhagen last month.
Donald Trump Jr. , the US President’s eldest son, went to Greenland last month and assured the citizens: “We’re going to treat you well.”
Meanwhile, some are responding to the situation with a dash of humour by invoking Mr Trump’s prior career as a property mogul. The group behind the petition has grand designs on Disneyland in Southern California.
“We’ll rename it Hans Christian Andersenland. Mickey Mouse in a Viking helmet? Yes, please,” it said. Naturally, every campaign comes with the inevitable small print, which, in this case, is found right at the very bottom: “Disclaimer: This campaign is 100% real … in our dreams.”