COPENHAGEN/NUUK – In an unprecedented escalation between NATO allies, the Danish Defence Ministry has confirmed that its soldiers are under standing orders to “shoot first and ask questions later” if the United States or any other foreign power attempts to forcibly seize Greenland.
The directive, which surfaced on Friday, January 9, 2026, comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated that acquiring the strategic Arctic territory is a “national security priority” and refused to rule out military intervention.
1. The “No Orders Needed” Directive
The Danish government has reaffirmed a long-standing military rule established in 1952, rooted in the lessons learned from the 1940 Nazi invasion of Denmark.
- The Rule: Soldiers are mandated to “immediately take up the fight” against any invading force without waiting for political clearance or orders from higher command.
- Why It Exists: It was designed to prevent a collapse of defense in the event of a sudden attack or communication failure.
- Application: The Joint Arctic Command, Denmark’s military authority in Greenland, is currently evaluating what specific U.S. movements would trigger this automatic response.
“Soldiers must act without waiting for or seeking orders, even if the commanders in question are not aware of the state of war.” — 1952 Danish Military Directive
2. Trump’s “Choice”: Greenland or NATO?
Tensions peaked following President Trump’s recent interview with the New York Times, where he described ownership as “psychologically needed for success.”
- Strategic Need: Trump claims Greenland is “covered with Russian and Chinese ships” and that Denmark lacks the capacity to secure it.
- NATO at Risk: When asked if obtaining Greenland was more important than preserving the NATO alliance, Trump replied: “It may be a choice.”
- The “Venezuela Precedent”: European leaders are particularly alarmed following the recent U.S. operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, fearing a similar “lightning strike” in the Arctic.
3. Diplomatic Damage Control
On Thursday, January 8, a high-stakes meeting took place in Washington to prevent a complete breakdown of relations.
- White House Meeting: Danish Ambassador Jesper Møller Sørensen and Greenland’s representative Jacob Isbosethsen met with the White House National Security Council.
- The Counter-Argument: Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has called Trump’s rhetoric “utterly unacceptable,” declaring that “Greenland is not for sale.”
- U.S. Internal Tactics: Reports suggest the Trump administration has discussed offering residents of Greenland payments between $10,000 and $100,000 per person (totaling ~$6 billion) to encourage a secessionist movement or support for a Compact of Free Association.
4. Global Reaction: “The End of Everything”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned on Friday that any military attempt to take Greenland would mark the end of post-WWII security.
- France & Germany: French President Emmanuel Macron and German officials have rallied behind Denmark, calling for a unified European response to “unacceptable pressure.”
- United Kingdom: PM Keir Starmer has also expressed support for Denmark, emphasizing that only Greenland and Denmark have the right to decide the island’s future.