A satirical online petition from Denmark, calling on citizens to crowdfund the purchase of California from the United States, has unexpectedly gained widespread attention, drawing more than 280,000 signatures. The campaign added humour to an otherwise tense geopolitical moment marked by debates over Greenland, transatlantic relations, and remarks made by former US President Donald Trump.

The petition, titled “Let’s Buy California from Trump – Denmark’s Next Big Adventure,” was launched almost a year ago by a group calling itself Denmarkification. For several months, it remained largely unnoticed. Interest surged after Trump once again sparked controversy by refusing to rule out extreme steps to gain control of Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Greenland has long been a sensitive subject in relations between Denmark and the United States. Trump’s renewed comments about the island, which he considers strategically important, reignited diplomatic tensions and brought the satirical Danish petition back into the spotlight.

The core idea behind the petition is simple and deliberately playful. If powerful nations can discuss large territories as if they were real estate, then Denmark, the organisers argue, might as well make a counteroffer. The petition proposes that Denmark “buy” California from the US, turning Trump’s earlier interest in purchasing Greenland into a joke aimed directly at Washington.

According to the mock plan outlined by the organisers, Denmark would raise around $1 trillion through crowdfunding. They jokingly calculated that this would cost each Danish citizen about 200,000 kroner. In return, Californians would receive what the petition describes as a Nordic upgrade to governance and lifestyle.

Among the promises listed are “rule of law, universal health care, and fact-based politics.” The petition also offers Californians a lifetime supply of Danish pastries. The organisers claim these perks would be accompanied by the export of hygge, Denmark’s well-known concept of comfort and cosiness, to the US West Coast.

Hollywood also features prominently in the petition’s humour. The organisers propose giving the entertainment capital a makeover by introducing bike lanes through Beverly Hills and ensuring that organic smørrebrød, traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches, are available “on every corner.” In a playful cultural twist, Disneyland could be renamed “Hans Christian Andersenland,” reflecting Denmark’s fairy-tale heritage.

The rebranding continues with cities and places. Los Angeles would become “Løs Ångeles,” while California itself would be renamed “New Denmark.” Under this imaginary transformation, the state would promote Danish values while still enjoying its famous sunshine.

The petition’s creators also took a dig at Trump’s strained relationship with California. They noted his frequent public criticisms of the state and repeated clashes with its political leadership. In one of the petition’s lines, the organisers joke, “We’re pretty sure he’d be willing to part with it for the right price,” adding that Danish pastries might help “sweeten the deal.”

The timing of the petition’s renewed popularity coincides with Trump’s recent remarks about Greenland. Speaking ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump declined to specify how far he might go to secure control of the island. He said that Greenland was vital for US national and global security and added that “things are going to work out pretty well.”

These comments prompted concern in Denmark. Danish officials warned that any attempt to seize Greenland could threaten the NATO alliance. Greenland’s own leadership has repeatedly rejected the idea of being sold or transferred, stating clearly that the island is not for sale.

Despite this, Trump has expressed confidence that Greenland’s people would be “thrilled” by closer ties with the United States. His remarks have also been accompanied by fresh threats of tariffs against European countries, including Germany, increasing anxiety among European leaders and businesses.

Against this serious diplomatic background, the Danish petition deliberately uses humour to comment on international politics. While it does not propose any real action, it highlights frustration in Denmark over how Greenland has been discussed by US leaders.

By combining satire, cultural references, and political commentary, the petition has resonated with many people online. It serves as a reminder that humour can sometimes become a tool for public expression during periods of political tension, without altering the underlying seriousness of the issues involved.