A satirical campaign launched by Danish activists mocks former President Donald Trump's Greenland acquisition plans by offering to purchase California for $1 trillion.
According to Metro, the 'Denmarkification' campaign has gathered over 200,000 signatures in its mock effort to make California part of the Danish kingdom.
The campaign emerged as a direct response to Trump's recent statements about seizing control of Greenland, which belongs to Denmark. Campaign organizers propose transforming Disneyland into 'Hans Christen Andersonland' and implementing Danish values throughout the state, using language that deliberately mirrors Trump's rhetoric.
The satirical campaign gained traction following Trump's January 20 statements regarding his unwillingness to rule out military action to acquire Greenland. During his second term inauguration, the former president declared Greenland's strategic location vital to American national security interests.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded to Trump's threats with diplomatic restraint. She emphasized the importance of maintaining respectful relations between the two nations while firmly stating that Greenland is not available for purchase.
Right-wing Danish MEP Anders Vistisen delivered a more forceful message to Trump. He stated:
Dear President Trump, listen very carefully. Greenland has been part of the Danish kingdom for 800 years. It's an integrated part of our country. It is not for sale.
The organizers cleverly incorporate elements of Danish culture and governance into their proposal. They suggest that Lego, the Danish toy manufacturer, would handle diplomatic relations between the nations due to their experience managing difficult negotiations.
The campaign website presents various enticements, including the implementation of bike lanes in Beverly Hills and the introduction of organic smørrebrød to California's street food scene. Additionally, they propose bringing universal healthcare and evidence-based politics to the state.
Campaign organizers specifically target Trump's known criticisms of California, noting his description of it as "the most ruined state in the Union." They suggest he might welcome their offer, especially with the added incentive of lifetime access to Danish pastries.
The situation surrounding Greenland has become increasingly complex due to its strategic importance. Home to a major US military installation, the territory serves as a crucial point in Arctic navigation, offering the shortest route between North America and Europe.
Trump's comparison of Greenland's significance to that of the Panama Canal has raised concerns among Danish officials and Greenland's 56,000 inhabitants. The former president's refusal to rule out military action has strained diplomatic relations between the longtime NATO allies.
Prime Minister Frederiksen maintains a diplomatic approach while standing firm on Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland. She continues to welcome American interest in Arctic affairs but insists on protecting Greenlandic people's rights and interests.
The satirical California purchase campaign represents growing Danish frustration with Trump's aggressive stance on the Greenland acquisition. While the campaign uses humor to address serious diplomatic tensions, it highlights the genuine concern among Danish citizens regarding American intentions toward their territory. The situation continues to evolve as Danish officials balance maintaining strong alliance ties while protecting their territorial sovereignty.
