The language alarmed European leaders already uneasy about the state of the transatlantic relationship. Trump’s comments did not stop at Greenland. He criticized NATO allies as insufficiently grateful and hinted that American protection should not be taken for granted. To many in Europe, the message sounded less like partnership and more like coercion.
That tension came to a head during a session of the European Parliament, when Danish Member of the European Parliament Anders Vistisen took the floor. Vistisen, known for his hardline views on sovereignty and national independence, launched into a forceful defense of Greenland’s status and Denmark’s authority.
He began in measured terms, reminding the chamber that Greenland has been part of the Danish realm for centuries and enjoys a defined autonomous status. It is not, he emphasized, an unclaimed territory waiting to be absorbed by a larger power. It is an integrated country with its own people, culture, and political institutions. “Greenland is not for sale,” he said, directing his remarks squarely at the U.S. president.
Then the speech took a sharp turn. Abandoning diplomatic restraint, Vistisen addressed Trump directly and delivered the line that would ricochet across social media within minutes. In plain, unmistakable language, he told the American president to “f— off.” The chamber erupted, and the clip spread rapidly online, hailed by supporters as refreshingly honest and condemned by critics as reckless and unbecoming.
Reaction was immediate and polarized. Many viewers praised Vistisen for articulating what they believed European leaders were thinking but unwilling to say. To them, his outburst captured widespread frustration with what they see as Trump’s bullying approach to allies and disregard for international norms. Others argued that his language undermined the seriousness of Denmark’s position and handed Trump an excuse to dismiss European objections as emotional or unserious.
The presiding officer of the European Parliament moved quickly to intervene. Cutting off Vistisen mid-speech, the speaker reminded him that parliamentary rules prohibit profanity and personal insults, regardless of political passion. “This is against our rules,” the speaker said, stressing that strong feelings do not justify inappropriate language in the chamber. Vistisen was prevented from continuing, and the session moved on, but the damage—or impact—was already done.
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