More than 200,000 Danes have joined forces in a lighthearted petition to ‘buy California from Donald Trump’, promising donors ‘unlimited avocados’ as a delightful reward. This quirky initiative, born as a whimsical response to Trump’s recent interest in acquiring Greenland, envisions a world where Denmark takes charge of the Golden State, transforming Disneyland into ‘Hans Christian Andersenland’ and rebranding Los Angeles as ‘Løs Ångeles’.
Danish Humor Meets Trump’s Greenland Obsession
The ingenious petition, hosted on the tongue-in-cheek website Denmarkification.com, playfully suggests that Denmark could benefit from California’s sunny weather, thriving tech industry, and bountiful avocado crops. “Have you ever gazed at a map and thought, ‘Denmark could really use more sunshine, palm trees, and roller skates’? Well, here’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to turn that dream into reality,” reads the spirited campaign.
The inspiration behind this endeavor stems directly from Trump’s persistent desire for the US to acquire Greenland, a self-governed Danish territory. Back in January 2025, the former president once again broached the subject, declaring the Arctic island crucial for American national security.
However, Greenland’s leader, Múte B. Egede, promptly rejected Trump’s overtures, asserting, ‘Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people. We are not up for sale.’ Notably, Danish politicians also criticized Trump’s proposal, with MEP Anders Vistisen deeming it ‘absurd and detrimental to diplomatic relations’.
In a whimsical twist, the Danish petition humorously suggests that if Trump is so keen on purchasing Danish territory, the Scandinavian nation should counter with a proposition to acquire California. “Let’s face it – Trump hasn’t exactly been California’s biggest fan. He’s dubbed it ‘the most ruined state in the Union’ and has engaged in spats with its leaders for years. We’re pretty confident he’d be willing to part with it for the right price,” the petition quips.
A £770 Billion Crowdfunding Target – and Free Avocados
The campaign sets an audacious crowdfunding target of $1 trillion (£770 billion), purportedly sufficient to buy California outright. To achieve this lofty goal, organizers are urging Danes to contribute 200,000 kroner (£23,000) each, humorously suggesting that citizens could ‘forgo a few lattes’ to afford their share.
Generous donors are offered a selection of ‘perks’, including:
• 10 DKK (£1.15): A personalized thank-you note from the Danish royal family (or perhaps just a postcard).
• 100 DKK (£11.50): A virtual tour of the ‘new Danishwood studios’.
• 1,000 DKK (£115): A lifetime stock of California-grown avocados (shipping fees not included).
• 10,000 DKK (£1,150): A street in ‘New Denmark’ christened in their honor.
• 1,000,000 DKK (£115,000): A private beach in Malibu – ‘terms and conditions apply’.
Beyond monetary incentives, the campaign extols the virtues of why Denmark should acquire California, highlighting its balmy Mediterranean climate, tech industry dominance, and a consistent supply of avocados for trendy Scandinavian brunches. The organizers also propose that Denmark would introduce ‘hygge to Hollywood, bike lanes to Beverly Hills, and organic smørrebrød to every street corner’.
Disneyland to Become ‘Hans Christian Andersenland’
Among the grander schemes for ‘New Denmark’ is the rechristening of Disneyland as ‘Hans Christian Andersenland’, paying homage to Denmark’s literary legacy, complete with ‘Mickey Mouse sporting a Viking helmet’. Furthermore, the petition suggests relocating California’s capital from Sacramento to Solvang, a city established by Danish immigrants in 1911, renowned for its traditional architecture and the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art.
A Playful Response to US Political Theatre
Though entirely satirical, the petition mirrors Denmark’s well-documented penchant for humor, using wit to comment on Trump’s territorial aspirations. This isn’t the first time the former president has expressed interest in procuring Greenland. In 2019, he publicly floated the idea, only for Denmark’s then-Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to dismiss it as ‘absurd’.
Despite the jest, the petition has sparked conversations about US-Danish relations and Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy. Notably, the White House has yet to respond to the campaign, while California Governor Gavin Newsom has also maintained silence.
‘Let’s Make New Denmark a Reality!’
The petition concludes with an impassioned call to action: ‘So, what do you say, Denmark? Let’s make history and buy California. Together, we can infuse a bit of Danish enchantment into the Golden State – and perhaps even teach them how to pronounce “rødgrød med fløde”.’
While Denmark may never truly possess California, the campaign has captured global attention, serving as a reminder that satire can wield significant influence in international political discourse.
