Tensions between the United States and Denmark have reached an unusual high after Danish troops were reportedly instructed to “shoot first, ask questions later” if the US were to attack Greenland. This development comes after months of provocative remarks by former President Donald Trump, who suggested that military action to acquire Greenland was not off the table.
The Danish Ministry of Defence confirmed that troops are required to follow strict rules of engagement in such scenarios. According to the ministry, soldiers must “immediately” counter any invading forces, even without direct orders or awareness of a formal declaration of war. A Danish newspaper asked officials whether these measures were still in place, and the ministry affirmed that the directive remains active.
“The attacked forces must immediately take up the fight without waiting for or seeking orders, even if commanders are unaware of a state of war,” the guidelines state.
European NATO allies have expressed serious concern over the situation. Reports suggest that NATO members are holding emergency discussions to determine how they would respond if the US attempted an aggressive move on Greenland. Experts warn that such an event could mark a major rupture within the alliance.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized a coordinated response, stating: “We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners.” Germany also confirmed close collaboration with Denmark and other European nations regarding Greenland’s security.
Barrot later reassured that Washington had no immediate plans for an invasion. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly conveyed to European leaders that the threats were not indicative of military action, and that the US would prefer to purchase Greenland rather than seize it.
European leaders, however, have been firm in their stance. UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer publicly expressed his position on Greenland’s sovereignty, while former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin warned that any US attack on Greenland could officially turn the US into an “enemy” of NATO. Speaking to Bloomberg TV, de Villepin stated:
“In no case should Europe accept any damage to European sovereignty. One NATO member attacking another would be unprecedented. If Donald Trump proceeds, the US’s status would shift from adversary or rival to enemy. It would mark a huge historical change.”
The Greenland controversy underscores growing tensions within NATO and raises questions about how alliances handle unconventional threats. While an invasion remains unlikely, the situation has sparked global debate about sovereignty, military preparedness, and the future of transatlantic cooperation.
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