A satirical online petition titled “Denmarkification” has gained significant attention, calling for the purchase of California from the United States. This movement emerged in response to former President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to acquire Greenland, a territory currently under Danish sovereignty. The petition, which has amassed over 200,000 signatures, humorously begins with the phrase “Måke Califørnia Great Ægain,” playing on Trump’s campaign slogan.
The petition’s website presents a tongue-in-cheek argument for why Denmark should acquire California, suggesting that the state would be an ideal addition to the Danish kingdom due to its sunny weather, tech industry, and cultural attractions like Disneyland, which the petition proposes renaming “Hans Christian Andersenland.” The campaign, organized by Xavier Dutoit, was inspired by overhearing an American tourist discussing Trump’s Greenland ambitions while vacationing in the Philippines. Dutoit expressed disbelief at the seriousness with which a U.S. president could consider acquiring another country’s territory.
In addition to the humorous tone, the petition includes a fundraising goal of $1 trillion, with a cheeky note that this amount is “give or take a few billion.” It also lists five incentives for Danes to support the petition: sunshine, technology, avocado toast, global security, and the reimagined Disneyland. The petition even suggests that Denmark send its best negotiators, including executives from Lego, to facilitate the hypothetical purchase.
The campaign has gained traction amid a larger conversation about U.S. territorial ambitions, particularly following a recent bill introduced by U.S. Republican Rep. Buddy Carter. This bill would grant Trump the authority to negotiate with Denmark for the acquisition of Greenland, proposing to rename it “Red, White, and Blueland.” Carter stated that adding Greenland to the U.S. would enhance national security and promote freedom.
In contrast, Danish politicians have firmly rejected any notion of selling Greenland. Anders Vistisen, a member of the Danish Parliament, publicly criticized Trump’s proposal, emphasizing that Greenland has been part of Denmark for 800 years and is not for sale. Vistisen’s remarks included a blunt message to Trump that drew attention for its strong language, which led to reprimands from other European Parliament members.
As the “Denmarkification” petition continues to draw signatures and media attention, it serves as a humorous commentary on the absurdity of the discussions surrounding U.S. territorial purchases and the broader implications of such proposals on international relations. The petition concludes with a light-hearted disclaimer: “This campaign is 100% real … in our dreams.”