Overview
- A spectator at London's O2 Arena shouted “Leave Greenland alone!” during Vanessa Williams’ rendition of the U.S. anthem before Grizzlies–Magic, drawing cheers from sections of the crowd as she finished without pause and the game proceeded.
- The outburst referenced President Trump's renewed bid for U.S. control of Greenland, an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark, which he has framed as a national security necessity.
- Trump posted that tariffs would apply until a deal for a “Complete and Total” purchase is reached, with announcements detailing duties on eight European countries starting in February and possible increases later in the year.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Greenland’s future is for Greenlanders and Denmark to decide and called tariff pressure on NATO allies completely wrong, joining broader European pushback.
- Video of the anthem interruption spread widely on social media as protests in Greenland and Denmark continued and polling showed low U.S. public support for taking control of the island.