Danes Create Petition to Buy California for $1 Trillion—Is ‘Calexit’ Finally Happening?

Denmark Petition Mocks Trump’s Greenland Plan

A satirical online petition proposing that Denmark purchase the state of California has gained significant traction, amassing over 200,000 signatures. Dubbed the "Denmarkification" campaign, the petition was launched as a response to former President Donald Trump’s past interest in acquiring Greenland, a Danish territory. DreiKubik / Pixabay

Trump’s Greenland Ambitions

Trump has expressed his intention to assert control over Greenland and its 56,000 residents, citing the island’s strategic Arctic location as crucial for expanding U.S. influence. The territory offers the shortest route between North America and Europe, making it a key geopolitical asset.

Ahead of his second term beginning on January 20, Trump indicated he would not dismiss the possibility of using military force to take control of Greenland, emphasizing its importance to national security. When asked whether he would rule out military action, he responded, “I’m not going to commit to that. It might be that you’ll have to do something. The Panama Canal is vital to our country. We need Greenland for national security purposes.” The Trump White House / Wikimedia

Denmark Rejects U.S. Claim

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen swiftly dismissed the proposal, reportedly informing former President Donald Trump in private that Greenland was not for sale. Addressing the matter in a televised statement, Frederiksen challenged Trump’s stance, expressing confidence that the United States—Denmark’s “most important and closest ally”—would not resort to military or economic pressure to claim the territory.

While she welcomed increased U.S. engagement in the Arctic, she emphasized that any involvement must be conducted in a manner that is “respectful of the Greenlandic people.” Number 10 / Wikimedia

A Danish California?

The Denmarkification petition uses humorous rhetoric to argue that Trump, who has frequently clashed with California's political leaders, might be willing to sell the state if offered a sufficient sum. "Let's be honest – Trump isn't exactly California's biggest fan. He's called it 'the most ruined state in the Union' and has feuded with its leaders for years," the petition states. "We're pretty sure he'd be willing to part with it for the right price."

While the petition proposes raising $1 trillion to buy California, it does not actually seek financial contributions, only signatures.

Among the ideas proposed by campaigners are renaming Disneyland to "Hans Christian Andersenland" and integrating Danish cultural elements such as "hygge" into Hollywood. The petition also claims that Danish toy company Lego should handle diplomatic relations, as it has experience managing "children throwing tantrums over missing bricks." Tim Mossholder / Pexels

Solvang as Denmark’s West Coast Capital?

Supporters of the initiative have suggested that Solvang, California—a town known as the "Danish Capital of America"—would serve as the natural capital if the deal were to go through. The petition further highlights the state's warm climate and scenic beauty as selling points for the Danish public. Américo Toledano / Wikimedia

A Playful Rebuttal Gains Traction

Denmark’s government has not formally responded to the campaign. However, it stands as a humorous counterpoint to Trump’s persistent interest in acquiring Greenland, which sparked controversy among both Greenlanders and Danes. The petition serves as a playful critique of political real estate ambitions and has captured the imagination of thousands online. The Blok P/Greenland / Wikimedia