During an NBA game in the UK, an audience member heckled with comments about Greenland, amid Donald Trump’s expressed interest in acquiring the country, interrupting the singing of the US National Anthem.
Trump and his administration have openly expressed a strong interest in Greenland, despite the territory being a European ally of the United States.
The president has described his interest in purchasing the nation as ‘very serious’, citing concerns over its ability to defend against potential Russian or Chinese threats.
Trump had previously remarked to journalists: “The problem is there’s not a thing that Denmark can do about it if Russia or China wants to occupy Greenland, but there’s everything we can do. You found that out last week with Venezuela.”
This proposition has sparked varying reactions, with many taking to social media platforms to voice their opinions and engage in debate over the contentious issue.
Globally, there is substantial opposition to the notion of purchasing or annexing another country. Now, it seems these views are being expressed not just online, but in public forums as well.
At a regular-season game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic in London on January 18, an audience member decided to voice their opinion during the event.
As Ugly Betty actress Vanessa Williams sang ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ at the O2 Arena, someone in the crowd interrupted with a shout: “Leave Greenland alone.”
The outburst was met with cheers from other spectators.
Watch the moment unfold below:
This incident follows Trump’s threat to impose higher tariffs on countries that oppose his Greenland plans, stating: “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security. So I may do that.”
Loud booing for the US national anthem at the O2 this evening.
"Leave Greenland alone!" got a massive cheer. pic.twitter.com/X8HSRGg0Nl
— Chris Daw KC (@crimlawuk) January 18, 2026
The proposed tariffs could reach up to 25 percent.
Greenland currently operates as a self-governing nation under the jurisdiction of Denmark, another ally of the US.
In response to these threats, the UK, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and the Netherlands have dispatched small military units to Greenland as part of a ‘reconnaissance’ mission, with Denmark promising to increase its military presence on the island.
Donald Tusk, former President of the European Council and current Prime Minister of Poland, has criticized the US’s repeated claims on Greenland.
At a press conference, Tusk stated: “An attempt to take over (part of) a NATO member state by another NATO member state would be a political disaster.
“It would be the end of the world as we know it, which guaranteed a world based on NATO solidarity, which held back the evil forces associated with communist terror or other forms of aggression.”
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen also addressed the situation in a Facebook post.
“That’s enough now,” Nielsen stated, acknowledging his nation’s ‘strategic location’ and reliance on US military support. However, he emphasized that alliances should be founded on trust and respect.
“Threats, pressure and talk of annexation do not belong anywhere between friends. That’s not how you talk to people who have repeatedly shown responsibility, stability and loyalty.
“This is enough.”