COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Red baseball caps that parody Donald Trump’s iconic "Make America Great Again" hats have emerged as a symbol of defiance from the Danish and Greenlandic people against the U.S. president's controversial intentions toward Greenland. The slogan on these caps, "Make America Go Away," reflects the sentiments of many individuals who oppose Trump's assertive remarks regarding the frozen territory.
The caps gained sudden popularity, particularly on social media and during public demonstrations. A recent rally in Copenhagen, characterized by frigid weather, saw numerous participants don these hats as a humorous yet pointed commentary on Trump's rhetoric. European governments are showing solidarity with Denmark, stressing the importance of defending Arctic territories and voicing concerns that threats against Greenland could compromise Western security.
Protesters voiced their dissent more directly. Lars Hermansen, a 76-year-old resident of Copenhagen, expressed his support for Greenland and disapproval of Trump while wearing one of the parody caps at the demonstration. The hats were created by Jesper Rabe Tonnesen, a vintage clothing store owner in Copenhagen, whose initial batches of hats did not attract much attention. However, the recent escalation in U.S. rhetoric regarding Greenland transformed these caps into a sought-after item for protestors.
As interest surged, Tonnesen shared his thought process: “When a delegation from America went up to Greenland, we started to realize this probably wasn’t a joke... So I said, OK, what can I do?” He aimed to communicate a serious message with humor that would unify Danes in support of Greenland. The demand for the caps skyrocketed, selling out within a weekend, prompting Tonnesen to order several thousand more.
The original design featured a clever play on words: "Nu det NUUK!" This phrase twists the Danish expression "Nu det nok," which translates to "Now it’s enough," by incorporating Nuuk, the small capital of Greenland. Protesters at the recent rally waved Danish and Greenlandic flags while brandishing handmade signs that mocked U.S. claims to Greenland, which is larger than Saudi Arabia. One sign read, "No Means No," while another declared, "Make America Smart Again."
Kristian Boye, a 49-year-old protester wearing a spoof hat, noted the lighthearted atmosphere during the gathering at Copenhagen City Hall, yet affirmed the serious nature of the message. “I’m here to support the Greenlanders, who are going through a very hard time right now,” he stated. “They are being threatened with having their country invaded. I think it’s totally unacceptable.”
This movement exemplifies the intersection of humor and political protest, illustrating how ordinary objects like a baseball cap can become potent symbols of resistance and solidarity in the face of perceived injustice.
