A cheeky petition demanding Denmark buy California has taken the internet by storm. Over 230,000 people have already signed, and the number keeps climbing. The petition was launched in response to President Trump’s repeated efforts to acquire Greenland, making light of his controversial territorial ambitions.
A funny retaliation to Trump’s Greenland push
The petition, dubbed the “Denmarkification” campaign, plays on Trump’s famous slogan and his never-ending desire to expand U.S. territory. The campaign’s goal is to raise a whopping $1 trillion in crowdfunding and 500,000 signatures to “Måke Califørnia Great Ægain.”
“Let’s buy California from Donald Trump!” the petition reads. It invites supporters to help turn California into a new Danish province. And if the deal happens? You’d get a lifetime supply of Danish treats.
The petition’s growing popularity
As of Wednesday night, the petition had nearly 235,000 signatures. Xavier Dutoit, a Swiss-French organizer, came up with the idea after hearing an American tourist talk about Trump’s Greenland dreams while in the Philippines.
“It sounded completely ridiculous to me,” Dutoit said. He found it absurd that any president—especially one from a stable democracy like the U.S.—would threaten to take over another nation’s territory. Dutoit said he consulted with friends from various countries, including Copenhagen resident Kenneth Haar, who is Danish.
A Danish perspective on the Trump-Greenland debate
Haar, a local Danish citizen, calls the Trump-Greenland controversy the “biggest political issue” in Denmark. He described it as a “very depressing and dangerous situation” for the country.
Trump, 78, has long been fascinated by the idea of acquiring Greenland, which belongs to Denmark. Despite Denmark’s firm stance that Greenland is not for sale, Trump has been persistent, especially after his 2024 election win. He even hinted at using military force to secure Greenland, citing national security concerns.
Trump’s global expansion dreams
Greenland is a territory with a population of only about 57,000 people. It has been governed by Denmark since the 19th century. To defend it, the U.S. has had military support and a 1951 treaty with Denmark. But Trump’s ambitions go beyond Greenland. He has also shown interest in acquiring Canada, the Panama Canal, and even the Gaza Strip.
The petition’s humorous proposal
The petition humorously suggests that California could be transformed into “New Denmark.” With sunny weather, palm trees, and roller skates, the petition imagines a Danish takeover of the Golden State.
Los Angeles? It would become “Løs Ångeles.” Disneyland would be rebranded as “Hans Christian Andersenland,” with a Viking Mickey Mouse in tow. The petition goes on to imagine a whole new vibe for California: hygge in Hollywood, bike lanes in Beverly Hills, and organic smørrebrød at every street corner.
Serious business or just a dream?
The petition organizers promise to send Denmark’s “bestest negotiators” to strike the deal. These include executives from Lego and actors from Denmark’s famous political drama, Borgen. Their mission? To bring a slice of Danish culture to California.
The petition notes that Trump’s ongoing feud with California Governor Gavin Newsom might make him more open to selling the state. But don’t get too excited—the petition’s disclaimer states: “This campaign is 100% real … in our dreams.”
Solvang: A taste of denmark in America
Interestingly, California already has a strong Danish connection. Solvang, known as “the Danish capital of America,” lies just 45 miles north of Santa Barbara. The town thrives as a hub of Danish culture, featuring Scandinavian windmills, flower-lined streets, and authentic Danish architecture.
Visitors can explore unique shops, enjoy traditional Danish festivals, and indulge in Danish cuisine. Solvang even has wine-tasting rooms and cafes offering both Danish classics and local wine country flavors.
While the petition is lighthearted and satirical, it has tapped into a growing frustration with Trump’s territorial ambitions. Whether it’s a joke or not, the idea of California joining Denmark is certainly sparking conversation—and raising eyebrows—around the globe.
Would Denmark ever consider such a purchase? Only time will tell. But for now, the petition continues to gather steam, with thousands more eager to see what could be the world’s most bizarre international real estate deal.
In the meantime, Trump’s eyes remain on Greenland, while Denmark watches with both amusement and concern.
