Denmark’s defence ministry has confirmed that its soldiers have the authority to act immediately if the United States or any other country attempts to invade Greenland. Under a long-standing rule, troops are allowed to open fire first and seek orders later.
This policy comes from a 1952 Cold War-era directive. It instructs Danish forces to shoot without waiting for commands if a foreign power threatens any Danish territory. The defence ministry shared this with Danish newspaper Berlingske.
The rule was created after Nazi Germany invaded Denmark in April 1940, when communication systems broke down and the country was caught off guard. Because of that experience, Denmark kept this emergency order in place, and it still applies today.
In Greenland, Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command would decide whether a situation qualifies as an attack on the island.
Trump Renews Push to Take Over Greenland
This comes as US President Donald Trump has again raised his long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland, which is linked to NATO. Trump has openly said that “military force” could be one of the options the United States might use to gain control of the Arctic island. He has argued that Greenland is important for US national security because Russian and Chinese ships operate in the region.
Trump also told The New York Times that he wants full ownership of Greenland rather than just a treaty. “I think that ownership gives you a thing that you can’t do with, you’re talking about a lease or a treaty. Ownership gives you things and elements that you can’t get from just signing a document,” he said.
White House Calls Greenland a US Security Priority
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump’s position, saying, “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. 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.”
Marco Rubio Plans Talks With Denmark and Greenland
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced plans to meet Danish and Greenlandic officials next week. According to The Wall Street Journal, Rubio said Trump prefers to buy Greenland rather than use force. Denmark welcomed the upcoming discussions, calling them “dialogue that is needed.”
JD Vance Says Denmark Failed to Secure Greenland
US Vice President JD Vance added further pressure by saying Denmark had “obviously” not done enough to protect Greenland. He also stated that Trump “is willing to go as far as he has to” to defend American interests in the Arctic.
Despite repeated statements from US officials, Denmark has firmly rejected any idea of selling the island. Danish authorities have consistently stressed that Greenland is “not for sale.” Earlier this week, European leaders issued a joint statement warning Trump that the territorial integrity of both Greenland and Denmark must be respected.
Danish PM Warns NATO Could Collapse
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also issued a strong warning on Monday. She said that any US military action against Greenland would end NATO and destroy “the security that has been established since the end of the Second World War.”
Trump Cites China and Russia as Arctic Threats
Trump has argued that US control of Greenland is necessary to protect American security. He has pointed to growing influence from China and Russia in the Arctic as a major reason for pushing to take over the world’s largest island.
