GG News Bureau
Copenhagen, Denmark , 9th January -Denmark has delivered its bluntest warning yet amid renewed US rhetoric about Greenland, stating that its soldiers are required to “shoot first and ask questions later” if the island is invaded. The statement follows comments by US President Donald Trump, who has again floated the idea of acquiring Greenland, even suggesting that military force could be an option.
The Danish Defence Ministry confirmed that the directive, rooted in the army’s rules of engagement dating back to 1952, remains in effect. The rule authorizes troops to respond immediately to an invasion without waiting for approval from higher command—a clarification that came after questions from Danish newspaper Berlingske.
Trump’s remarks have reignited tensions between Washington and Copenhagen. The US president has described Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and a NATO partner, as strategically vital for American national security, citing growing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced the administration’s position, saying the president views Greenland as essential to deterring adversaries in the region. While she emphasized that multiple options are under discussion, she noted that the use of military force is always within the president’s authority.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to strike a softer tone, telling reporters that Trump prefers to buy Greenland rather than seize it by force. Rubio is expected to meet Danish and Greenlandic officials next week, a move Denmark has cautiously welcomed as necessary dialogue.
Despite these reassurances, Danish leaders remain alarmed. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned earlier this week that any US attack on Greenland would effectively end NATO as it currently exists, undermining decades of collective security built since World War II.
European leaders have also weighed in, issuing a joint statement stressing that the territorial integrity of Greenland and Denmark must be respected. Greenland’s government has repeatedly stated that the island is not for sale, echoing Denmark’s long-standing position.
Vice President JD Vance added fuel to the fire by accusing Denmark of failing to adequately secure Greenland, suggesting the US may act unilaterally if it deems its Arctic interests threatened.
As climate change opens new shipping routes and access to untapped resources, Greenland’s strategic value has only increased. What was once an unlikely geopolitical flashpoint has now become a serious test of alliances, with Denmark drawing a clear red line against even the suggestion of American force.
