‘Shoot first’ rule cited by Defence Ministry
The ministry told Danish daily Berlingske that in the event of an attack, forces must act “without waiting for or seeking orders, even if the commanders in question are not aware of the declaration of war or state of war”.The clarification follows escalating rhetoric from President Trump, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
White House keeps military option open
The renewed tension comes after Trump again underlined Greenland’s strategic importance to the US, shortly after authorising a military operation against Venezuela’s president.
Addressing the issue, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it’s vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region.”
Read more: Trump administration mulls payments to sway Greenlanders to join US
“The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US Military is always an option at the Commander in Chief’s disposal,” she added.
Diplomatic engagement in WashingtonAmid the growing unease, senior diplomats from Denmark and Greenland met officials at the White House National Security Council on Thursday, January 8.
Denmark’s ambassador to the US, Jesper Møller Sørensen, and Greenland’s head of representation in Washington, Jacob Isbosethsen, conveyed their position that the territory is not for sale, as per News18.
Greenlandic authorities have consistently rejected any suggestion of a sale, both publicly and in private diplomatic exchanges.
Trump’s longstanding interest in Greenland
Trump first floated the idea of purchasing Greenland in 2019 and has since refused to rule out the use of military force. His latest remarks have heightened concern in Copenhagen and Nuuk, particularly following recent US military actions elsewhere.
US Senator Marco Rubio told lawmakers earlier this week that Trump remained interested in buying Greenland but sought to play down the likelihood of a military takeover.
Denmark warns of NATO fallout
Denmark has firmly reiterated that “Greenland not for sale”. European leaders have also warned that Greenland’s territorial integrity must be respected.
Read more: Donald Trump attacks Republican senators who backed measures to curb Venezuela military action
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has cautioned that any US attack would effectively spell the end of NATO and undermine “the security that has been established since the end of the Second World War”.
The episode underscores rising geopolitical friction in the Arctic, as strategic competition intensifies over the resource-rich and militarily significant region.
