![“Danes Lightheartedly Propose Purchasing California as Trump Pursues Greenland” “Danes Lightheartedly Propose Purchasing California as Trump Pursues Greenland”](https://uslive-mediap.uslive.com/2025/02/f53edf09-34d9c89ecf5440a19ffd0d81f6a36260-denmark_california_91769.jpg)
A whimsical petition from Denmark is aiming to inject some “hygge” into Hollywood by proposing the purchase of California. This playful initiative is a response to former President Donald Trump’s comments about possibly acquiring Greenland, an expansive and resource-rich territory owned by Denmark.
“Have you ever looked at a map and thought, ‘You know what Denmark needs? More sunshine, palm trees, and roller skates,’” the petition playfully suggests. “Well, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make that dream a reality.” As of mid-morning Wednesday, the campaign’s website proudly showcased over 200,000 signatures, though it remains unclear how long the petition has been active, and there has yet to be a response from its representatives.
The petition humorously states, “It is in the national interest to promote the extraordinary heritage of our Nation, so California will become New Denmark. Los Angeles? More like Løs Ångeles.” While the name change is largely for comedic effect, the essence of hygge, the Danish cultural concept of comfort and coziness, is very real.
In Southern California, there exists an actual town that embodies Danish charm—Solvang. This town, established in 1911 by three Danish immigrants, is often referred to as “the Danish capital of America.” Solvang attracts numerous visitors who come to savor its traditional aebleskiver pastries, admire the Scandinavian windmills, stroll along “Copenhagen Drive,” and visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum that pays tribute to the renowned Danish author. Over the years, Danish royalty has also graced Solvang with their presence.
In 2019, Trump canceled a planned visit to Denmark, citing Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s rejection of his proposal to purchase Greenland as a factor in his decision. He described her remarks as “nasty.” Greenland operates as a semi-autonomous territory under the auspices of the U.S. and retains its local identity. Just last month before resuming office, Trump suggested that military action might be an option to secure Greenland due to its perceived significance to U.S. national interests. Furthermore, his son visited the island earlier this year.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte B. Egede firmly responded to Trump’s comments, asserting, “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.”
As for the California petitioners’ plans, they envision renaming Disneyland to “Hans Christian Andersenland,” humorously stating, “Mickey Mouse in a Viking helmet? Yes, please.” The creators of the petition also pointed out that Trump has had a less-than-favorable view of California, referring to it as “Paradise Lost” and often mocking Gov. Gavin Newsom with the moniker “Newscum.”
Every good petition includes a disclaimer, and this one is no exception. Towards the end of the petition, they cheekily state, “Disclaimer: This campaign is 100% real … in our dreams.”