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A Danish lawmaker bluntly told President Trump to back off during the Greenland dispute.

Published On Wed, 21 Jan 2026
Rohit Venkatesh
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In a fiery exchange at the European Parliament, Danish Member of European Parliament Anders Vistisen unleashed a profanity-laced rebuke against U.S. President Donald Trump, telling him to "f*** off" amid renewed American interest in acquiring Greenland. The outburst, captured on video and quickly going viral, underscores escalating tensions over the Arctic island's strategic value.

Vistisen made the remark during a debate on U.S. threats to impose tariffs and even use force if Denmark refuses to sell the autonomous territory, which has been under Danish sovereignty for centuries. "Let me put this in words you might understand: Mr. President, f*** off," he stated, prompting an immediate interruption from Parliament Vice President Nicolae Stefanuta for violating decorum rules. Undeterred, Vistisen continued in Danish, emphasizing Greenland's non-negotiable status and Denmark's firm stance.

President Trump's fixation on Greenland dates back to his first term, but has intensified since his 2025 reelection. Citing national security and competition with Russia and China in the melting Arctic, Trump recently shared an AI-generated image of Greenland as the "51st state" and floated 25% tariffs on European allies backing Denmark. This marks a sharp escalation from his 2019 real estate-style purchase pitch, which drew widespread ridicule.

Danish and Greenlandic leaders, including Prime Minister Múte Egede, have repeatedly affirmed the island's autonomy and rejected any sale, invoking international law and Inuit self-determination rights. The rhetoric has sparked fears of NATO fractures, with reports of U.S. troop reductions linked to the dispute.

The clip has exploded across social media, from YouTube to Instagram, fueling debates on transatlantic relations and Arctic geopolitics. European politicians draw parallels to past Trump provocations, like threats over the Panama Canal, while calling for stronger EU defenses. Analysts warn of potential trade wars, as the EU considers retaliatory measures. As Trump prepares for international summits, this episode highlights fragile alliance dynamics in a resource-rich region vital for rare earth minerals and new shipping lanes. Denmark vows to stand firm, prioritizing sovereignty over concessions. Stay tuned for developments in this high-stakes standoff.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.