In a bizarre twist to the ongoing Greenland sovereignty dispute, a social media post claiming that the island’s parliament has banned US President Donald Trump and his descendants for 100 generations has gone viral, amassing millions of views.
The claim, which emerged in mid-January, was quickly debunked as satire but highlights the heightened tensions between the US and Denmark over the Arctic territory. As of 3 February 2026, no official ban exists, though the satirical jab resonates amid real diplomatic friction.
The Viral Satire and Its Spread
The story originated from a post on X by the account Halfway Post, which describes itself as offering ‘Dadaist graffiti news‘ and satire. On 14 January 2026, it stated: ‘BREAKING: The parliament of Greenland just introduced legislation that bans Donald Trump and all his descendants for 100 generations.’
BREAKING: The parliament of Greenland just introduced legislation that bans Donald Trump and all his descendants for 100 generations.
— The Halfway Post (@HalfwayPost) January 14, 2026
This post received over 93,000 likes, was reposted thousands of times, and garnered over 1.7 million views, underscoring its popularity. It was further amplified on Instagram, where a Tech Times post elaborated, mentioning a leaked £511.4 billion ($700 billion) US acquisition offer and European troop support.
Fact-checking outlets, including Euronews and Lead Stories, clarified that the claim is fictional, originating from a comedy source with no basis in reality. Despite this, the post tapped into genuine sentiments, as evidenced by its rapid spread.
Background to the Greenland Crisis
The satire draws from a geopolitical standoff that escalated in early 2026. Following his re-election in 2024, President Trump renewed his interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security concerns over Arctic resources.
The crisis unfolded as follows: in early January, he refused to rule out the use of military force to annex the territory and threatened a 25% import tax on European Union goods unless Denmark ceded control; this prompted international backlash, with European nations like France, Germany, and Norway sending troops to bolster Greenland’s defences; the peak came when Trump attended the World Economic Forum in Davos on 21 January, where he reversed his position, pledging not to use military force or impose tariffs on European countries.
Reports indicate this followed intense diplomatic pressure from allies. The episode has strained US-Denmark relations, with Greenland asserting its sovereignty more forcefully.
Public Reactions and Fact-Checking
Responses to the satirical ban have been mixed, with many online users embracing the humour as a form of protest against US aggression. On X, accounts reposted the claim, adding to its visibility. Verified sources, including Euronews, produced videos debunking it, emphasising that while tensions are high, no such extreme legislation has been proposed. The Cube, Euronews’ fact-checking arm, noted that ‘a law to ban Donald Trump and his lineage for the next 100 generations is not one of the measures Greenland and Denmark are using.’
This underscores the blend of fact and fiction in public discourse. Analysts suggest the viral nature reflects broader anxieties about US foreign policy under Trump. While the 100-generation ban remains a fictional snub, the underlying Greenland crisis continues to evolve.
As of 3 February 2026, diplomatic channels remain open, but experts warn that any renewed US pressure could reignite tensions. With the crisis ongoing, observers are watching closely for any further developments in US-Arctic relations. Greenland’s firm stance on sovereignty serves as a reminder of the limits of American influence in the Arctic.
Originally published on IBTimes UK
