Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has launched a scathing attack on Donald Trump, accusing the US President of making Russian-style "gangster" threats against Greenland. His condemnation comes as thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Copenhagen on Saturday 17 January 2026 to protest against Washington's interventionist rhetoric.
‘End of the World Order’ Warning from Former Ally
In a damning interview with the Financial Times, Mr Rasmussen, who also served as Denmark's Prime Minister from 2001 to 2009, expressed his profound dismay. "For me, it's been a painful process," he stated, revealing his lifelong view of the US as the leader of the free world. He warned that Trump's persistent threats to take control of Greenland were a "weapon of mass distraction" from genuine threats like Russia's war in Ukraine.
Rasmussen's criticism carries significant weight given his history of sending Danish troops to fight alongside US forces in Afghanistan. He starkly contrasted America's traditional role with its current posture: "Now we see the United States use a language that's pretty close to the gangsters that they should control in Moscow, Beijing, etc." He concluded with a grave prediction, asserting that "conquering Greenland would be the end of the world order as we know it."
Mass Protests and ‘Greenland is Not for Sale’ Placards
The political firestorm ignited by Trump's comments has triggered a significant public backlash in Denmark. On Saturday, crowds gathered at Copenhagen's City Hall before marching towards the US embassy, waving Greenland's red and white 'Erfalasorput' flag. Their signs carried a clear, defiant message: "Greenland is not for sale." Further demonstrations were also scheduled to begin in Greenland itself.
President Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to acquire Greenland, citing national security concerns. On Friday, he escalated the situation by threatening tariffs against countries that did not support his plans, declaring at a public event, "I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security."
NATO Allies Bolster Arctic Defences
Amid the escalating tension, several NATO members have moved swiftly to reinforce Greenland's defences, highlighting the international concern over the crisis.
- France deployed a small contingent of 15 military personnel to Nuuk, Greenland's capital, on Thursday.
- Finland is sending two liaison officers on a fact-finding mission.
- The United Kingdom is dispatching one military officer to the Arctic region to assist.
- Germany sent a 13-strong reconnaissance team along with an A400M transport aircraft, though officials stated this deployment would last only until Saturday.
Rasmussen voiced fears that this dispute plays directly into Moscow's strategy, stating, "Divisions in the West play into Russian hands. I’m sure Moscow hopes Greenland becomes the iceberg that sinks Nato." The coordinated military movements and widespread diplomatic alarm underscore that the ramifications of this standoff extend far beyond the shores of Greenland and Denmark.
