In early January 2026, diplomatic tensions between Denmark and the United States reached an unprecedented high following President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland.
The Danish government's "shoot first" warning is not a new policy created specifically for this conflict, but rather a reaffirmation of a 1952 Cold War-era military directive that remains active today.
Denmark cites 1952 military rule to defend Greenland
Highlighting a 1952 Cold-war era directive, Denmark’s defence ministry said that the directive remains active and enforceable. The 1952 rule requires Danish forces to respond immediately if Greenland is invaded, even if there is no formal declaration of war.According to Berlingske, the directive states that in the event of an invasion, “the attacked forces must immediately take up the fight without waiting for or seeking orders, even if the commanders in question are not aware of the declaration of war or state of war.”
Military attempt to seize Greenland would end NATO: Danish PM
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said this week that a military attempt to seize Greenland would strike at the foundation of NATO.“If the US chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops,” Frederiksen told Danish broadcaster TV2 on Monday.
“That is, including our NATO and thus the security that has been provided since the end of World War II.”
Her remarks underline concerns that a conflict between NATO members would render the alliance’s collective defence guarantee meaningless.
Why Greenland matters under NATO rules
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, which is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Under Article 5 of the NATO treaty, an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all.This principle forms the core of NATO’s collective defence system and obliges member states to assist a country that comes under attack, including through military means if required. While Article 5 does not mandate an automatic declaration of war, it does remove the option of neutrality for other members.
The "Shoot First" Directive Explained
The Rule: The Danish Ministry of Defence confirmed that under the 1952 directive, Danish troops—specifically the Joint Arctic Command—are authorized to "immediately take up the fight" against any foreign invading force without waiting for political clearance or formal orders.
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Historical Context: The rule was established after the 1940 Nazi invasion of Denmark, where communications broke down and the country was caught off guard.
4 It ensures that if territory is breached, soldiers do not have to wait for a "declaration of war" to defend it.5 Target: While the ministry noted the rule applies to any foreign power, the timing of the clarification is a direct response to White House statements that "military force" is an option for acquiring the island.
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Why Tensions Are Escalating (January 2026)
The situation intensified following a series of events in early 2026:
Trump’s Renewed Push: After a recent U.S. operation in Venezuela, President Trump doubled down on Greenland, calling it a "national security priority" due to Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic.
7 White House Statements: Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on January 6, 2026, that utilizing the U.S. military is "always an option at the commander-in-chief's disposal."
8 Vance’s Criticism: Vice President JD Vance criticized Denmark’s defense of the island, suggesting they have not done a "proper job" in securing it and that the U.S. may have to "do something about it."
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The Diplomatic Fallout
NATO at Risk: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that a military attempt by the U.S. to seize Greenland would effectively "end NATO," as it would mean one member attacking another.
10 European Solidarity: Leaders from the UK, France, Germany, and Poland issued a joint statement backing Denmark, reaffirming that "Greenland belongs to its people."
11 Financial Offers: Reports suggest the Trump administration is considering offering payments of $10,000 to $100,000 per resident to encourage Greenlanders to favor independence from Denmark and a closer alliance with the U.S.
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Current Status
A high-level meeting is scheduled for next week between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, and Greenlandic officials to discuss the "national security" claims and attempt to de-escalate the situation.
Would you like me to look up the specific details of the 1951 Defense Agreement that currently allows the U.S. to operate bases in Greenland?As a result, any military action against Greenland would legally be treated as an attack on Denmark itself, with wider implications for the alliance.
US statements trigger alarm among European allies
Tensions escalated after the Trump administration indicated that taking control of Greenland was still under consideration. A senior administration official said options being discussed include purchasing the island or assuming responsibility for its defence.The White House warned that “utilising the US military is always an option” and said the issue “is not going away,” despite objections from NATO allies. President Donald Trump has argued that US control of Greenland is necessary to protect NATO interests in the Arctic, citing growing pressure from China and Russia in the region, according to the Daily Mail.
European leaders issue joint statement on Greenland
European leaders have responded with a rare show of unity. Leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Denmark issued a joint statement saying they would “not stop defending” Greenland and its “territorial integrity.”The statement said, “Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.” The leaders also referred to the 1951 defence agreement between the US and Denmark, reaffirming long-standing cooperation, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Trump renews criticism of NATO allies
Amid the backlash, Trump renewed his criticism of NATO allies, accusing them of failing to meet defence spending commitments. He said many members had failed to meet the 5 percent of GDP target agreed at The Hague last summer.“Until I came along,” Trump wrote, “the US was, foolishly, paying for them.” He added that “Russia and China have zero fear of NATO without the US, and I doubt NATO would be there for us if we really needed them,” according to the Daily Mail.
The remarks came hours after the US seized a Russian oil tanker off the north coast of Scotland, further escalating tensions between Washington, Europe and Moscow.
Comparison of Danish and US armies
The Danish Army has an estimated strength of about 7,000 to 9,000 professional soldiers, excluding conscripts currently undergoing basic training. In addition, Denmark maintains a pool of reservists and has the capacity to rapidly mobilise additional prepared light forces if required, as per defence ministry’s website.By contrast, the US Army has approximately 450,000 active-duty personnel. It is supported by around 325,000 soldiers in the Army National Guard and about 175,000 in the Army Reserve, bringing the total strength to more than 950,000 uniformed personnel across its components.
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