‘Shoot first’ order? Denmark confirms Greenland defence directive as US takeover talk grows

The authorisation is based on a 1952 military directive that remains in effect, the Defence Ministry told Danish daily Berlingske, as quoted by Euronews.

The directive mandates Danish forces to immediately engage any attack on Danish territory without waiting for command approval, even if no formal declaration of war has been issued or senior commanders are unaware of hostilities.

The confirmation comes amid renewed remarks by US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly suggested that the United States could take control of Greenland if necessary.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has issued a stark warning in response, saying any military action by the US against Greenland would effectively end NATO.

“If the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops,” Frederiksen told Danish broadcaster TV2 on Monday, as cited by Euronews.

“That includes NATO itself and the security framework that has existed since the end of World War II,” she added.

According to reports, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to meet Danish officials next week. “I’ll be meeting with them next week,” Rubio was quoted as saying by CNBC.

Trump has once again raised the prospect of gaining control over Greenland, reviving an idea he first floated in 2019. He has argued that the Arctic island is critical to US military strategy and has accused Denmark of failing to adequately secure it.

The White House has confirmed that Trump and his advisers are actively discussing various options, including the potential use of military force, despite strong opposition from European allies.

These comments have unsettled NATO partners, given Greenland’s long-standing strategic importance in Western defence planning.

Strategic importance of Greenland

Greenland, the world’s largest island with a population of about 57,000, is not a NATO member in its own right but falls under Denmark’s NATO umbrella. Its strategic position between North America and Europe has made it central to US missile defence systems for decades.

The island’s mineral wealth has also drawn increased attention as Washington seeks to reduce reliance on China for critical raw materials.

Denmark rejects foreign encroachment claims

Trump has repeatedly claimed that Russian and Chinese vessels are operating near Greenland, raising security concerns. Danish authorities have firmly rejected those assertions, saying they do not reflect reality.

According to vessel-tracking data cited by Danish officials, there is no evidence of Russian or Chinese ships operating near Greenland’s coastline, contradicting the US president’s claims.