A lighthearted Danish petition has emerged, proposing the idea of buying the state of California to "bring hygge to Hollywood." This whimsical initiative responds directly to former President Donald Trump's prior comments about acquiring Greenland, a mineral-rich Arctic island that is part of Denmark. The petition captures a playful spirit, aiming to shift the conversation from Greenland to California.
The petition humorously questions readers: "Have you ever looked at a map and thought, 'You know what Denmark needs? More sunshine, palm trees, and roller skates?'" The aim is to turn this fanciful thought into reality, with organizers seeking to gather 500,000 signatures and secure $1 trillion—which they note is approximately 200,000 kroner from each Danish citizen. Details regarding the petition’s launch date remain unclear, as no immediate comment was received from the representatives.
In the petition, the organizers express the national interest in promoting Denmark's extraordinary heritage by stating that California would henceforth be known as "New Denmark." They jokingly transform Los Angeles into "Løs Ångeles," highlighting the tongue-in-cheek nature of their campaign. Notably, Løs Ångeles may bring to mind Solvang, a real town in Southern California recognized as "the Danish capital of America." Established in 1911 by Danish immigrants, Solvang attracts numerous tourists with its aebleskiver pastries, picturesque Scandinavian windmills, a street named "Copenhagen Drive," and the Hans Christian Andersen Museum dedicated to the famous Danish fairy tale author.
Former President Trump previously sought to purchase Greenland, leading to diplomatic tensions, as Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark deemed the proposal absurd. In 2019, Trump canceled a trip to Denmark, citing Frederiksen’s "nasty" comments as the reason. Now in his second term, Trump's rhetoric has intensified; he indicated that he would not dismiss the use of military force to seize Greenland, asserting its importance to U.S. national security.
In response, Frederiksen and Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte B. Egede reiterated their position, declaring, "Greenland is for the Greenlandic people. We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic." Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., made a visit to Greenland recently, assuring residents, "We’re going to treat you well." This statement reflects an ongoing interest in maintaining a relationship with the territory.
The petition, coined "Denmarkification," channels Trump’s past as a real estate developer. The organizers are excitedly planning a reimagined Disneyland, proposing that it be renamed "Hans Christian Andersenland," with added features like a Viking helmet-wearing Mickey Mouse. This blend of amusement and cultural homage exemplifies the playful tone of the entire initiative.
As is customary with petitions, a disclaimer appears at the bottom of the campaign page: "This campaign is 100% real ... in our dreams." This line underscores the surreal and lighthearted nature of the proposition, inviting readers to consider the absurdity of the situation while participating in the whimsical debate over territorial claims and cultural identity.
