Denmark offers to buy California in response to Trump’s Greenland ambitions

By Elías Thorsson February 12, 2025
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Make America Lego again. (Denmarkification)

If Donald Trump wants to buy Greenland, why shouldn’t Denmark buy California? That’s the premise of “Denmarkification,” a (probably) satirical campaign launched by Danes who are flipping the script on Trump’s territorial ambitions.

“Have you ever looked at a map and thought, ‘You know what Denmark needs? More sunshine, palm trees, and roller skates.’ Well, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make that dream a reality. Let’s buy California from Donald Trump! Yes, you heard that right. California could be ours, and we need your help to make it happen,” the website argues for the proposed takeover.

According to Denmarkification.com, Denmark would be doing California a favor by liberating it from U.S. dysfunction, bringing Danish sensibilities—like free healthcare, paid parental leave, and a functioning democracy—to the Golden State. The campaign, which has already amassed over 200,000 signatures, pitches the purchase as a “win-win” for both nations.

“Given that Trump isn’t exactly California’s biggest fan, he might be willing to sell it off for a bargain,” the website writes. “He’s called it ‘the most ruined state in the Union’.”

California, But Make It Danish

New california flag, I'm afraid of bears, mermaids are fine
“New california flag, I’m afraid of bears, mermaids are fine”, the website writes about its design idea for Danish California. (Denmarkification)

Denmark’s crowdfunding goal to buy California is set at $1 trillion, which breaks down to just 200,000 kroner per Dane—a small price to pay for nation-building. Top Danish negotiators (Lego execs and the cast of Borgen) will lead the deal, renaming the state “New Denmark” with cities like Løs Ångeles. Expect hygge in Hollywood, bike lanes in Beverly Hills, and organic smørrebrød on every corner—along with universal healthcare, rule of law and fact-based politics, if applicable.

Denmarkification’s bold vision for a “new and improved” California includes:

  • Rebranding Disneyland as “Hans Christian Andersenland”—because nothing screams fun like existential fairy tales.

  • Introducing “proper beer” to the state—sorry, IPAs, Carlsberg is taking over.

  • Eliminating student debt—because Danish citizens don’t have to mortgage their futures to get an education.

  • Giving Elon Musk a universal basic income—because, well, why not?

A Response to Trump’s Greenland Obsession

This satirical initiative is in response to Trump’s repeated claims that the U.S. should buy Greenland, a notion that has not gone over well in Denmark. The campaign mockingly suggests that if Trump is so eager to trade in real estate, perhaps Denmark should acquire a more temperate, beach-adjacent alternative.

Interested Americans?

According to the website, some Americans might understandably have some questions and concerns regarding joining Denmark and therefore Denmarkification’s includes an FAQ for Californians wondering what happens next.

Will I need to learn Danish? No, but it wouldn’t hurt.
Will my taxes go up? Maybe, but at least you’ll get something in return.
Will we still have In-N-Out? We’ll see.

As of publishing, the White House has not replied to the offer.