Danish Lawmaker Tells Trump to ‘F— Off’ Over Greenland Bid
A Danish Member of European Parliament (MEP) recently made headlines when he lashed out at U.S. President Donald Trump over his controversial bid to acquire Greenland. MEP Anders Vistisen, a member of the right-wing Danish People’s Party, delivered a fiery rebuke to Trump during an EU session in Strasbourg, France, asserting that Greenland, a Danish territory, is not for sale.
Strong Words From Vistisen
Addressing Trump directly, Vistisen declared, “Greenland has been part of the Danish kingdom for 800 years. It is an integrated part of our country. It is not for sale.” In a pointed reference to Trump’s own blunt communication style, Vistisen added, “Mr. Trump, f— off.” This bold statement sparked a formal reprimand from European Parliament Vice President Nicolae Ștefănuță, who cautioned against the use of such language in a democratic setting.
Greenland’s Autonomy and History
Both Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede and Danish PM Mette Frederiksen have reiterated that Greenland is not on the market. While Greenland enjoys considerable autonomy in domestic affairs, the territory relies on Denmark for foreign policy and support. The U.S. maintains a presence on Greenland through the U.S. Space Force at Pituffik Air Base near Savissivik.
Historical Context
Notably, the U.S. has a precedent of acquiring Danish territories, as seen in the 1916 treaty that led to the purchase of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) from Denmark. While initially granted American nationality without full citizenship rights, residents of the USVI were later conferred full citizenship through congressional action in 1932.
In conclusion, the clash between Vistisen and Trump underscores the complex geopolitics surrounding Greenland and its historical ties to Denmark. The passionate defense of Greenland’s sovereignty by Danish officials reflects a deep-rooted attachment to the territory’s cultural and political heritage, highlighting the enduring significance of this Arctic island in international affairs.