Denmark: A Danish member of the European Parliament has drawn widespread attention after delivering a sharply worded rebuke to US President Donald Trump during a debate on Washington’s renewed interest in Greenland.
Anders Vistisen, a 38-year-old lawmaker, was speaking during a session of the European Parliament focused on transatlantic relations and US statements regarding the Arctic territory. In footage that has since circulated widely online, Vistisen addressed Trump directly, dismissing any suggestion that Greenland could be acquired by the United States.
“Greenland has been part of the Danish realm for centuries. It is fully integrated and it is not for sale,” Vistisen said, before adding a profane remark telling the US president to back off.
The outburst prompted an immediate response from European Parliament Vice President Nicolae Ștefănuță, who interrupted the speech and reminded the lawmaker that such language violates parliamentary rules.
“I understand strong political emotions, but this kind of language is not acceptable in this chamber,” Ștefănuță said, warning that there could be consequences for breaching conduct guidelines.
After the reprimand, Vistisen continued the remainder of his address in Danish without further incident.
The exchange comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and several European capitals following Trump’s renewed push to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The US president has repeatedly argued that Greenland’s strategic location and vast mineral resources are critical for American and NATO security, particularly as Arctic ice melts and competition with Russia and China intensifies.
In recent days, Trump has also threatened steep tariffs—reportedly up to 25 per cent—on multiple European countries that support Denmark’s stance on Greenland. European leaders have responded by warning of retaliatory trade measures should such tariffs be imposed.
The episode underscores growing friction between the US and Europe over Greenland, with the blunt remarks in the European Parliament reflecting broader frustration among some European lawmakers over Washington’s approach to the issue.
