A heated political moment unfolded during a recent debate at the European Union’s legislative body when a Danish lawmaker directly rebuked US President Donald Trump over his renewed push to acquire Greenland.
As discussions focused on growing US interest in the Arctic territory, Danish Member of the European Parliament Anders Vistisen expressed strong opposition, stating that Greenland was not for sale and had been an integral part of the Danish kingdom for centuries.
Addressing Trump directly during the session, Vistisen said that Greenland has been part of Denmark for nearly 800 years and emphasized its status as an integrated and autonomous territory. He then used explicit language to underline Denmark’s rejection of any proposal to sell or transfer Greenland.
Following the remarks, the session was briefly interrupted by a senior parliament official, who reprimanded Vistisen for using inappropriate language and reminded members that such expressions violate parliamentary rules, regardless of political sentiment.
After the warning, Vistisen continued the remainder of his speech in Danish, focusing on Greenland’s sovereignty and Europe’s stance on territorial integrity.
The incident comes amid renewed pressure from Trump regarding Greenland’s strategic importance. The US president has argued that the mineral-rich Arctic territory is critical for US and NATO security, particularly as melting ice opens new shipping routes and access to natural resources.
Trump has repeatedly framed Greenland as a key geopolitical asset in the competition with Russia and China, claiming that control over the region would strengthen Western security interests in the Arctic.
In recent days, tensions have escalated further after Trump reportedly threatened tariffs on several European countries supporting Denmark’s position, prompting discussions in Europe about potential countermeasures.
Analysts say the exchange highlights widening transatlantic tensions and Europe’s growing resistance to pressure over sovereignty issues, especially as geopolitical competition intensifies in the Arctic region.
