Denmark has issued a stark warning that its forces are under standing orders to “shoot first and ask questions later” if Greenland is attacked, as European anxiety mounts over President Donald Trump’s refusal to rule out military action to seize the Arctic territory.
Denmark’s defence ministry confirmed that a Cold War–era directive obliges troops to respond immediately to any foreign invasion without awaiting political approval or formal command. Speaking to the Danish newspaper Berlingske, the ministry said soldiers are required to “immediately take up the fight” if Greenland comes under attack, and that the order remains fully in force.
Introduced in 1952, the rule states that in the event of an invasion, forces must act “without waiting for or seeking orders, even if commanders are not aware that a declaration of war or a state of war exists”. Danish officials stressed that the provision applies regardless of the identity of the invading force.
Europe scrambles to respond
The warning comes as European leaders struggle to formulate a response to repeated statements by Trump, who has openly discussed the possibility of annexing Greenland and has declined to rule out the use of force. The White House has said the president continues to consider all options, further unsettling Denmark and its allies.
European governments have rallied behind Copenhagen, with calls for a coordinated response should the United States move against Greenland. French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said he would raise the issue with his German and Polish counterparts, underlining the need for collective action.
“We want to act, but we want to do so together with our European partners,” Barrot told France Inter radio.
He added that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had dismissed comparisons with recent US military action against Venezuela aimed at removing President Nicolás Maduro. Despite those assurances, Denmark’s decision to restate its shoot-first doctrine highlights how seriously it is preparing for potential escalation.
‘$10,000 to $100,000 per person’
According to multiple sources cited by Reuters, the Trump administration is also considering offering direct cash payments to Greenlanders in an effort to encourage a break from Denmark and closer alignment with the United States.
US officials have reportedly discussed lump-sum payments of between $10,000 and $100,000 per person. Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory with around 57,000 residents, is rich in strategically valuable natural resources. While the proposal remains at an early stage, aides have floated figures that could total nearly $6bn.
Another option under discussion is a Compact of Free Association, similar to agreements the US maintains with several Pacific island nations. Under such arrangements, Washington provides financial assistance and defence guarantees in exchange for military access. Greenland would likely need to become fully independent from Denmark first, with payments potentially used to build public support for that step or for a future agreement.
Although polls show that many Greenlanders favour independence from Denmark, surveys also indicate that a majority do not want to become part of the United States.
