In a satirical twist on geopolitics, Danish campaigners have launched an initiative to "buy California" from the United States, turning it into a Danish territory as a tongue-in-cheek response to
Donald Trump’s attempts to acquire Greenland.
The campaign, dubbed "Denmarkification," is seeking to crowdfund $1 trillion to purchase California. If successful, organizers promise to infuse the state with Danish values while capitalizing on its warm climate and vast resources.
Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in bringing Greenland—a self-governing Danish territory—under U.S. control, citing its strategic location and mineral wealth. While he has suggested both economic and military leverage to secure the island, Denmark has firmly rejected the idea.
Mimicking Trump's rhetoric, the Denmarkification campaign states its goal is to "make California great again." Led by Xavier Dutoit, the initiative quickly gained traction, amassing 200,000 signatures on its online petition in just a few hours.
A Danish California: hygge, lego, and avocado toast
Under the proposed plan, California would be rebranded as "New Denmark," with Disneyland transformed into "Hans Christian Andersenland," complete with a Viking-helmeted Mickey Mouse. Danish toy giant Lego would oversee negotiations between the U.S. and Denmark, as Dutoit quipped that the company’s experience handling children’s tantrums over missing bricks makes them expert mediators.
The campaign also argues that Trump might actually welcome the deal, noting his frequent clashes with California’s political leaders, such as Governor Gavin Newsom and Vice President Kamala Harris. To sweeten the deal, the plan includes offering Trump a lifetime supply of Danish pastries—paid for by Hollywood.
Danish cultural influences would shape the new territory, with campaigners promising to bring "hygge to Hollywood, bike lanes to Beverly Hills, and organic smørrebrød to every street corner." They also emphasize the benefits of universal healthcare, the rule of law, and fact-based governance—an apparent jab at Trump’s leadership style.
For Danish citizens skeptical of the proposal, the campaign highlights California’s sunny weather as a major incentive. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for more sunshine, palm trees, and roller skates," it proclaims, adding that Denmark’s national love for avocados would be well-served by California’s abundant avocado farms.
Denmark’s defiant stance on Greenland
The Denmarkification movement follows a broader pattern of Danish resistance to Trump’s Greenland ambitions. In a speech at the European Parliament, Danish MEP Anders Vistisen directly addressed the former U.S. president:
"Greenland has been part of the Danish kingdom for 800 years. It is an integrated part of our country. It is not for sale."
For further clarity, Vistisen added bluntly: "Let me put it in words you might understand, Mr. Trump. F**k off."
Trump, undeterred, previously questioned whether Denmark had any legitimate claim to Greenland, suggesting that the island should be handed over for U.S. national security reasons. Greenland, while geographically part of North America, has been politically linked to Europe since the Viking era and remains under Danish governance.
Despite Trump's ambitions, Denmark has reinforced security around Greenland while affirming its sovereignty. Meanwhile, the satirical Denmarkification campaign highlights how the power dynamics of territorial acquisition can appear absurd when reversed—especially when it’s California on the auction block. Photo by Noahnmf, Wikimedia commons.