Denmark seeks to buy California amid Trump's Greenland interest
- A satirical petition from Denmark seeks to purchase California, inspired by Trump's interest in Greenland.
- Over 200,000 signatures have been collected, promoting whimsical benefits if the purchase were to occur.
- The campaign serves as a humorous critique of U.S. politics and engages both Californians and Danes alike.
In response to President Donald Trump's interest in purchasing Greenland, a satirical online petition has emerged in Denmark seeking to buy California. The campaign, which humorously promises to ‘Denmarkify’ the state and rename Disneyland to ‘Hans Christian Andersenland,’ has been a playful jab at Trump's remarks about acquiring the Arctic territory. As of mid-February 2025, around 200,000 individuals have signed the petition, illustrating a unique blend of humor and political commentary from the Danish population regarding U.S. politics. The initiative underscores a cultural response to Trump's controversial stance on Greenland and reflects a wider engagement in international affairs through satire. The petition’s organizers aim to illustrate the absurdity of Trump's proposition by presenting their own outlandish offer—a crowdfunding goal of $1 trillion to acquire California. Taglines promoting the campaign have included whimsical phrases such as “from hygge to Hollywood,” which resonate with the Danish notion of coziness and comfort. The campaign's humorous nature is further demonstrated by promoting Californian perks that would be available under Danish ownership, such as a lifetime supply of avocado toast, which has become a cultural staple in California's culinary scene. This lighthearted approach serves to engage both Danes and Americans, making a political statement wrapped in comedy. Denmark's interest in this satirical acquisition was sparked by Trump's previous comments on Greenland, which the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called “absurd.” Greenland's leaders, including Múte B. Egede, have firmly stated that their island is not for sale, insisting on their right to self-determination as they reject Trump's advances. The Denmarkification campaign pivots on this tension, reflecting the frustrations with Trump's administration while utilizing humor to dismantle the seriousness surrounding international real estate deals. The campaign's tagline, “Let’s Buy California from Trump – Denmark’s Next Big Adventure,” encapsulates their position as both a critique of U.S. leadership and a celebration of Danish culture. This cultural exchange and political commentary through a satirical lens shed light on the differences and similarities between Denmark and the United States. The willingness of over 200,000 people to engage with this form of protest showcases the public's readiness to challenge political dialogues via humor. While the campaign is not a serious diplomatic proposal, it highlights how citizens can engage meaningfully with political discourse, especially when it comes to international relations and national identity. The initiative has sparked media attention on both sides of the Atlantic, encouraging discussions about national pride and political engagement during a time of increasing global political tensions.