More Than 250,000 People Sign Denmark’s Petition to Purchase California
Danes Launch Satirical Petition to "Purchase" California
LOS ANGELES – A satirical campaign proposing that Denmark "buy" California has gained traction online, amassing over 280,000 signatures. Dubbed the "Denmarkification" campaign, it serves as a humorous rebuttal to recent U.S. efforts aimed at acquiring Greenland.
The movement has captured global attention, particularly in light of President Donald Trump’s threats of steep tariffs against European nations opposing U.S. claims on the Arctic territory. The petition, which humorously suggests renaming California as "New Denmark," includes whimsical proposals like transforming Disneyland into "Hans Christian Andersenland" and rebranding Los Angeles as "Løs Ångeles."
According to the organizers, the initiative aims to use humor to underline the absurdity of territorial threats directed at other nations. They have set an ambitious crowdfunding goal of $1 trillion, a sum they estimate would require each Dane to contribute about 200,000 kroner (approximately $20,000 USD).
The campaign’s website touts several attractive "incentives" for the fictional acquisition, such as California’s "sunshine, palm trees, and roller skates." They also promise to enhance Beverly Hills with bike lanes and incorporate Danish "hygge" into Hollywood.
Swiss-French activist Xavier Dutoit conceived the petition after overhearing an American tourist in the Philippines discussing the U.S. bid for Greenland. He described the notion of a president threatening a sovereign territory as "unhinged and absurd." In collaboration with Danish friends, Dutoit created the petition to "flip the script" on the conversation.
The push for Greenland has triggered a diplomatic crisis involving Denmark, the European Union, and NATO. The Trump administration has escalated tensions by threatening a 10% tariff on Danish goods, with the possibility of increasing that to 25%, unless Denmark agrees to negotiate a "complete and total purchase" of Greenland.
Despite these threats, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has responded firmly, insisting that Greenland is not for sale and asserting that its status is governed by Danish constitutional law. This standoff suggests a shift in U.S. foreign policy that could undermine decades of priorities centered on self-determination.
Thousands of Greenlanders have protested in their capital, Nuuk, signaling the intense local sentiments around the issue. European leaders have expressed concerns that such coercive economic measures may strain diplomatic ties and jeopardize cooperation within NATO.
As the satirical petition continues to gain signatures, organizers emphasize their commitment to maintaining its humorous tone. They assert that no established democracy should threaten to buy another country’s territory. While the petition has elicited widespread attention, no official comments have been released by U.S. or Danish officials regarding this creative initiative.
European leaders are planning an emergency meeting in Brussels to develop a unified response to the impending U.S. tariffs.
