More Than 200,000 Danes Petition To "Buy California"

A lighthearted Danish petition to buy the state of California and “bring hygge to Hollywood” has gone viral in response to President Donald Trump’s past interest in purchasing Greenland, according to the Associated Press (AP).

While "Løs Ångeles" is a joke, Southern California does have a real Danish town—Solvang, known as the “Danish Capital of America.”

“Have you ever looked at a map and thought, ‘You know what Denmark needs? More sunshine, palm trees, and roller skates?’” the petition states. “Well, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make that dream a reality.”

The petition, which has gathered over 200,000 signatures as of Wednesday, aims for 500,000 signers and a fundraising goal of $1 trillion—or approximately 200,000 kroner ($27,800) per Dane.

A representative for the petition did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

“It is in the national interest to promote the extraordinary heritage of our nation, so California will become New Denmark. Los Angeles? More like Løs Ångeles,” the petition quipped. The story was also reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

While "Løs Ångeles" is a joke, Southern California does have a real Danish town—Solvang, known as the “Danish Capital of America.” Founded in 1911 by Danish immigrants, it features aebleskiver pastries, Scandinavian windmills, a Copenhagen Drive, and a Hans Christian Andersen Museum.

The petition also notes Trump’s strained relationship with California, referencing his past remarks calling it “Paradise Lost” and his frequent criticism of Governor Gavin Newsom, whom he mockingly calls “Newscum.”

However, at the bottom of the petition, there’s a small disclaimer:“Disclaimer: This campaign is 100% real … in our dreams.”