California Dreaming... of Denmark?

Copenhagen, Denmark — Forget buying Greenland—some Danes are setting their sights on a much sunnier target: California.

In a hilarious twist on U.S. President Donald Trump’s 2019 attempt to acquire Greenland from Denmark, a satirical petition is now calling for Denmark to buy California from the U.S., infusing it with Nordic charm, universal healthcare, and, of course, an endless supply of Danish pastries.

From Greenland to Gold Rush

The online campaign, hosted at Denmarkification.com, already has over 200,000 signatures, with organizers aiming for 500,000. The site cheekily suggests that Denmark’s world-renowned negotiators—LEGO executives and the cast of the Danish political drama Borgen—could convince Trump to part with America’s most populous state.

After all, Trump hasn’t exactly been California’s biggest fan. He’s called it “the most ruined state in the Union” and sparred with its leaders over everything from environmental policies to election laws.

The petition's slogan? “Måke Califørnia Great Ægain”—a Nordic twist on Trump’s famous phrase.

Why Buy California?

So, why would Denmark want California? The petition offers some compelling reasons:

✔ Sunshine Galore – Denmark is cozy, but let’s be honest... California’s weather is unbeatable.
✔ Tech Powerhouse – More tech bros? Maybe. But also Silicon Valley innovation.
✔ Avocado Toast Forever – California grows 90% of the U.S.’s avocados. Enough said.
✔ Danish Disneyland – The park would be rebranded as Hans Christian Andersenland (Mickey Mouse in a Viking helmet? Yes, please).

“We’ll bring hygge to Hollywood, bike lanes to Beverly Hills, and organic smørrebrød to every street corner,” the petition states.

How Much Would It Cost?

Denmark would crowdfund the purchase, with a goal of $1 trillion—roughly 200,000 kroner per Dane. To sweeten the deal, donors would get perks like virtual tours, naming rights to California streets, or even a private beach in Malibu (terms and conditions apply).

Is Trump Actually Selling?

While California residents haven’t exactly voted to be Danish, the petition jokes that such technicalities wouldn’t stop Trump.

"Let’s face it—when has that ever stopped him?" the site quips. “If Trump wants to sell California, he’ll sell California.”

A Nordic Utopia—or Just a Joke?

Petition creator Xavier Dutoit, a French-Swiss political consultant, told AFP that the campaign is "simply to show how absurd Trump’s Greenland idea was.”

Still, with Denmark’s rule of law, universal healthcare, and fact-based politics, maybe a few Californians wouldn’t mind going Nordic after all.

What Do the ‘Supporters’ Say?

The website features a section of "imaginary supporters", supposedly praising the campaign - check out just a few

• Lars Ulrich (Metallica drummer): "I left Denmark for California to chase the rock ‘n’ roll dream. But now, we can bring California to Denmark. Let’s make it happen – and maybe I’ll finally get a Danish Grammy!"

• Viggo Mortensen (a.k.a. Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings): "I may have been born in New York, but my heart is Danish. Let’s bring a little Middle-earth magic to California and make it New Denmark!"

• Bjørn A. Nonymous (philosopher): "Hygge is not just a feeling; it’s a way of life. And what could be more hyggelig than sipping cocoa on a California beach, watching the sunset over the Pacific?"

Would New Denmark be a success? Or is this just the best political joke of the year? Either way, one thing is certain: Denmark definitely won the internet today.