A tongue-in-cheek campaign launched in Denmark has attracted hundreds of thousands of supporters, playfully proposing that the country purchase California from the United States — and even give Disneyland a distinctly Danish makeover.

The online petition, hosted on Denmarkification.com, has now gathered well over a quarter of a million signatures. While clearly satirical, the campaign was created as a response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated claims that the United States should take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Danish Kingdom.

The mock proposal suggests rebranding California as “New Denmark,” with Los Angeles humorously renamed “Løs Ångeles.” Disneyland, meanwhile, would become “Hans Christian Andersenland,” a nod to Denmark’s most famous fairy-tale author. According to the website, the entire state could be purchased for around $1 trillion—“give or take a few billion.”

Borrowing Trump-style rhetoric for comedic effect, the site argues that acquiring California would be in Denmark’s “national interest,” promising to bring Danish values — including the beloved concept of hygge, or cozy contentment — to Hollywood and beyond. One section boldly declares that the move would help “protect the free world,” while boasting about Denmark’s “colossal freedom.”

The joke campaign directly mirrors Trump’s justification for pursuing Greenland, which he has described as strategically important due to its mineral resources and location. He has also claimed the island could face threats from Russia and China, framing U.S. control as a matter of global security. Those remarks have sparked frustration across Europe, particularly after tariffs were imposed on countries that publicly criticized the idea.

Despite its humorous tone, the Denmarkification campaign has resonated widely. Supporters are encouraged to “donate,” with exaggerated rewards such as a personal letter from the Danish Royal Family, unlimited Californian avocados, or even a private beach in Malibu — all clearly part of the joke.

The website also pokes fun at the idea of public consent, sarcastically noting that Californians' wishes might not matter anyway. “If Trump wants to sell California, he’ll sell California,” the site quips.

Behind the humor, tensions surrounding Greenland remain very real. Denmark, along with allies including the U.K., the European Union, and Canada, has reiterated its commitment to defending the territory. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has also firmly rejected the idea of U.S. control, stating that Greenland would choose Denmark if forced to decide.

In recent weeks, protests have taken place across Greenland, with demonstrators carrying signs reading “Greenland is not for sale.” A popular visual at these rallies has been red hats parodying MAGA merchandise, now emblazoned with the phrase “Make America Go Away.”

The creators of Denmarkification say the overwhelming response has surprised them. In a statement, they explained that while the petition began as satire, it has sparked thoughtful, often funny conversations across social media. They noted enthusiastic reactions from Californians — and even playful requests from residents of other U.S. states asking Denmark to “buy” them next.

According to the team, the campaign has provided a rare moment of humor during an otherwise tense political climate. While they’re considering future satirical projects, they admit that brainstorming sessions often drift into serious discussions about global security, NATO, and international cooperation.

For now, the group is focused on handling the attention generated by the viral petition — and enjoying how a little satire, Danish pastries, and hygge have captured imaginations far beyond Denmark.