A heated session in the European Parliament turned viral this week when Danish lawmaker Anders Vistisen told President Donald Trump to “f* off”** during a debate about the US interest in buying Greenland, an autonomous territory belonging to the Kingdom of Denmark.
The blunt rebuke came as Trump renewed pressure on Europe and Denmark over control of the Arctic island, a strategic outpost rich in resources and pivotal in global security calculations.
What Happened in European Parliament
In Strasbourg, Vistisen, a member of the European Parliament, took the floor to reject what he and many European leaders see as inappropriate US pressure over Greenland.
He said firmly, “Let me put this in words you might understand: Mr President, f**k off.”
🚨HOLY SMOKES: Danish MEP Anders Vistisen to Trump:
“Let me put this in words you might understand: Mr. President, fuck off.”
Europe is officially done pretending this is normal diplomacy. pic.twitter.com/wtnIhdTJok
— Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) January 20, 2026
Before launching into the striking phrase, he reminded the chamber that “Greenland has been part of the Danish kingdom for 800 years. It is an integrated country. It is not for sale.”
Parliament Vice President Nicolae Ștefănuță interrupted Vistisen, warning that such language violated parliamentary rules and could have consequences.
Who is Anders Vistisen, the Danish Lawmaker Who Told Trump to “F*** Off”?
The lawmaker who made the now-viral remark to US President Donald Trump is Anders Vistisen, a 38-year-old member of the European Parliament from Denmark. Vistisen represents the Danish People’s Party, a right-wing political group in Denmark, and serves on committees related to women’s rights and international relations.
During a heated debate at the European Parliament about the US push to acquire Greenland, Vistisen strongly defended Greenland’s status as an autonomous part of the Danish Kingdom and forcefully rejected the idea that it could be sold.
He concluded his remarks by directing the stark message, “Let me put this in words you might understand: Mr President, f*** off.”
Why Trump’s Greenland Push Is Causing a Rift?
The controversy extends beyond a single dramatic speech. President Trump has been pushing for a deal that would bring Greenland under U.S. control, arguing that the island is critical for NATO and global security, especially with Russia and China seeking to increase their influence in the Arctic.
In response to resistance from Denmark and its allies, Trump has threatened tariffs on EU countries that oppose his position, raising tariffs on imports unless the issue is resolved to Washington’s liking.
European leaders have called these tariff threats unacceptable, warning that they could undermine transatlantic unity and strain NATO cooperation.
EU Condemns Pressure, Stands With Denmark
Top EU officials have reiterated that Greenland is not for sale, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sovereignty and respect for international law.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc is preparing a broader response package to support Arctic security and preserve collaboration among NATO allies.
Denmark’s prime minister also said that sovereignty and national identity cannot be negotiated, calling Trump’s tactics a “dark chapter” in global diplomacy.
Broader Diplomatic Fallout
The Greenland dispute has sparked strong statements from multiple capitals. France and Germany condemned the US approach as unacceptable, while other NATO members warned of a dangerous downward spiral in relations.
Greenland itself has welcomed the European support, with officials stressing that pressure seems aimed at Europe rather than the island’s people.
While Trump maintains that Greenland is vital for security, many Europeans see the approach as coercive and destabilizing. The dramatic exchange in the European Parliament reflects deeper frustration among EU lawmakers over what they view as unwelcome US intervention in regional sovereignty.
