Anders Vistisen has urged the EU to issue a clear rejection of Washington's Greenland ambitions

A Danish member of the European Parliament launched a profanity-laced attack on US President Donald Trump during a debate on Greenland on Tuesday, accusing the EU of failing to stand up to Washington's renewed claims over the self-governing Arctic island.

Anders Vistisen, a member of the Danish People's Party, opened his latest speech by saying: "Let me put this in words you might understand. Mr. President, f**k off." He previously used the same phrase in the chamber shortly after Trump was sworn in for a second term in January 2025.

Trump has long sought American control over Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory with a population of about 56,000 people, claiming the island is critical for opposing the supposed threat posed by Russia and China. Both Moscow and Beijing have dismissed such notions, while Russia has condemned NATO's accelerated militarization of the Arctic.

His renewed push in recent weeks has caused friction with European NATO partners, who have rejected any change in Greenland's status and warned that such pressure would violate international law. Denmark has insisted the island's status is non-negotiable.

According to Vistisen, "the only language Trump understands is direct language and the only rebuttal that Trump understands is a strong word from the EU." He claimed that instead of sending a firm message, "the EU has given in," and said he hopes that the bloc would "finally wake up and take action."

Denmark has deployed troops to Greenland as part of the Arctic Endurance drill launched in response to Trump's threats, while European politicians have warned that a US attack on a fellow NATO member would destroy the bloc.

Trump previously said he may have to acquire Greenland "the hard way," and has refused to rule out the use of force. He has also announced 10% tariffs on eight European NATO states for opposing his bid to acquire the island and for sending small military contingents to take part in a Danish-led exercise there.

On Tuesday, Trump posted AI-edited images on his platform Truth Social, one showing an expanded US map that included Canada, Venezuela and Greenland and another depicting him planting an American flag on Greenland, labeled "US territory."