Featured Image Credit: Samuel Corum/Getty Images/APT/Youtube
Topics: Greenland, Donald Trump, Europe, Politics, World News, US News
Phoebe Tonks
Topics: Greenland, Donald Trump, Europe, Politics, World News, US News
A Danish lawmaker has made his stance on Donald Trump’s repeated threats to take over Greenland very clear, as he bluntly told the president what he really thinks.
European Parliament Member Anders Vistisen addressed Trump directly during a recent speech to the European Union’s legislative body, when he doubled down on the fact Greenland is not for sale.
Vistisen's remarks are a direct response to Trump's repeated statements about the need for the US to seize control of Greenland, despite it being an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Trump has argued that the US must take control of the arctic nation to preserve national security, however, many believe he is more interested in exploiting the country’s vast natural resources which include oil and gas reserves as well as rare mineral deposits.
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During his speech, Vistisen said: "Dear President Trump, listen very carefully. Greenland has been part of the Danish kingdom for 800 years. It is an integrated country. It is not for sale."
Yet rather than stop there, the politician appeared to let emotions get the better of him as he clarified, leaving no room for misinterpretation: "Let me put this in words you might understand: Mr. President, f**k off."
The outburst soon went viral, with many praising Vistisen for saying what many were thinking, however, his language was not without repercussions.
Shortly after he had made the rude declaration, Vistisen continued his speech, this time in Danish, but was cut off by the speaker who oversees parliament, to be reprimanded for his unprofessional conduct.
"I am sorry, this is against our rules," the speaker told the lawmaker. "As much as you might feel, or the room might feel in this, we have clear rules about cuss words and language that is inappropriate in this room.
"I am sorry to interrupt you, but it is unacceptable, even if you might have strong political feelings about this."
Both Greenland and Denmark are members of NATO, and should Trump choose to attempt to seize Greenland by military force, it would compel other NATO nations (such as France, Germany and the United Kingdom) to intervene.
Not only could this mean the collapse of NATO as we know it, but it could also risk alienating the US from some of its closest allies.
Despite the high stakes, none of this appears to have phased Trump, who is still keen to secure Greenland at any cost.
Writing on Truth Social on Tuesday, he said: "As I expressed to everyone, very plainly, Greenland is imperative for National and World Security. There can be no going back — On that, everyone agrees!
"The United States of America is the most powerful Country anywhere on the Globe, by far... We are the only POWER that can ensure PEACE throughout the World — And it is done, quite simply, through STRENGTH!"