From “Make America Great Again” to “Make America Go Away”: Greenland Pushes Back Against Trump
Donald Trump launched his political journey with the powerful slogan “Make America Great Again,” a message that resonated strongly with American voters and ultimately helped him secure the presidency. Over time, Trump coined several similar catchphrases, often using them as tools of political messaging and pressure. However, a new slogan—one echoing a very different sentiment—is now gaining traction abroad, and it is unlikely to please him.
As President Trump continues to issue sharp warnings and aggressive statements about Greenland, public sentiment on the island has taken a clear turn. A growing number of Greenlanders are rallying behind the slogan “Make America Go Away,” openly expressing resistance to what they see as American interference.
Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is crucial to U.S. national security because of its strategic location in the Arctic and its potential mineral wealth. To strengthen his position, he has also threatened to impose tariffs on European countries, a move that has further escalated tensions. These remarks and actions have fueled anger in Greenland, where residents are increasingly vocal in opposing U.S. pressure.
Once close allies, the United States and Europe now appear to be on a collision course. The dispute over Greenland has intensified to the point where both sides are exchanging warnings. Trump has now issued what is being described as a final and direct threat, significantly increasing pressure on Denmark and openly hinting at concrete action. According to his statements, U.S. intervention could begin at any time.
Trump has accused Denmark of failing to counter what he calls the growing Russian threat in Greenland. In a public post, he claimed that NATO has been urging Denmark for the past 20 years to address security risks linked to Russia in Greenland, but that Copenhagen has been unable to act. “The time has come,” Trump declared, suggesting that the United States would now step in. This statement comes at a moment when tensions between Washington and the European Union are already running high.
Earlier, Trump had announced new tariffs on countries supporting Denmark, further angering European leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responded firmly, stating that Greenland’s sovereignty would be protected at all costs and that any aggressive move would be met with a strong response.
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this sentiment, saying that Europe would not be intimidated by threats or pressure—whether in Ukraine, Greenland, or anywhere else. Leaders across Europe, including Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and other senior EU officials, have openly criticised the U.S. stance.
With tariff threats looming, Europe is now scrambling to find ways to push back and persuade Washington to reconsider. A key meeting of EU leaders is scheduled for January 22 in Brussels. While Europe does have some strategic options, they are limited and difficult to implement collectively.
The challenge is even greater given the number of stakeholders involved: the 27 EU member states, along with the UK, Norway, Iceland, and war-torn Ukraine. Together, they must develop a unified and practical strategy to counter Trump’s pressure—one that all parties can agree on and stand behind.