Denmark’s defence ministry has warned that its forces would “shoot first and ask questions later” if the United States attempts a military seizure of Greenland, reaffirming a 1952 army rule that allows troops to repel intruders without waiting for higher authorization, the daily Berlingske reported. The ministry said the directive remains in force.
The blunt warning comes as U.S. President Donald Trump again pushes for control of the NATO territory, calling Greenland’s acquisition a national security priority amid rising Arctic competition with China and Russia. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said “all options,” including the use of the military, remain on the table.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans talks next week with Danish and Greenlandic officials and, according to the Wall Street Journal, has indicated Washington’s preference is to purchase the island rather than use force—dialogue Copenhagen says it “welcomes.” Even so, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance criticized Denmark’s stewardship of Greenland’s security, asserting Trump is prepared to go “as far as necessary” to safeguard American interests in the Arctic.
Denmark and European leaders pushed back firmly. Copenhagen reiterated that Greenland is “not for sale,” while EU leaders issued a joint statement urging respect for Denmark and Greenland’s territorial integrity. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any U.S. attack would effectively end NATO and unravel the post–Second World War security order.
Trump argues U.S. control of the world’s largest island is essential to counter Russian and Chinese advances in the high north. Denmark’s message, however, leaves little doubt about its red lines: any armed incursion would be met immediately, with questions to follow.