COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Red baseball caps satirizing Donald Trump’s iconic MAGA hats have turned into a symbol of Danish and Greenlandic resistance against the U.S. president’s threat to take over the frozen territory.
The caps inscribed with “Make America Go Away” — mimicking Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan — have become popular, along with several variations, on social media and at public protests, including a weekend protest held in frigid conditions in the Danish capital.
European governments are standing by Denmark, citing the necessity to defend Arctic regions and warning that threats against Greenland undermine Western security.
However, protesters are less tactful.
“I aim to show my support for Greenland and also express my dislike for the U.S. president,” stated 76-year-old Copenhagen resident Lars Hermansen, who donned one of the red caps at a protest on Saturday.
The mock hats were crafted by Copenhagen vintage clothing store owner Jesper Rabe Tonnesen. Initial batches failed last year — until the Trump administration recently ramped up its rhetoric regarding Greenland. Now they’re cropping up everywhere.
“When an American delegation went to Greenland, we began to realize this wasn’t likely a joke — it’s not reality TV, it’s real life,” said Tonnesen, 58. “So I thought, okay, what can I do? Can I convey a good message in a humorous way and unite Danes to demonstrate that Danes support the people of Greenland?”
Demand suddenly shot up from a trickle to selling out within one weekend. Tonnesen stated he has now ordered “several thousand.”
The original version designed by Tonnesen had a wordplay: “Nu det NUUK!” — a twist on the Danish phrase “Nu det nok,” which means “Now it’s enough,” replacing Nuuk, Greenland’s small capital.
Protesters at Saturday’s rally waved red-and-white Danish and Greenlandic flags and held handmade signs mocking U.S. claims on the territory, which is slightly bigger than Saudi Arabia.
One sign read “No Means No.” Another stated, “Make America Smart Again.”
Wearing one of the satirical hats, protester Kristian Boye, 49, said the gathering in front of Copenhagen City Hall had a light-hearted atmosphere while conveying a serious message.
“I’m here to support the Greenlanders, who are currently going through a very tough period,” he said. “They’re being threatened with their country being invaded. I think it’s completely unacceptable.”