Danish MEP Anders Vistisen Tells Donald Trump to “F*** Off”

A Danish member of the European Parliament, Anders Vistisen, sparked a wave of attention — and official criticism — this week by openly telling U.S. President Donald Trump to “f* off” during a parliamentary debate on Greenland’s sovereignty and status. The remarks came amid heightened diplomatic tensions over Trump’s repeated public assertions that the United States should exert control over the strategically important Arctic territory.

Speaking during a plenary session in Strasbourg on January 20, 2026, Vistisen forcefully defended Greenland’s position as a part of the Kingdom of Denmark and rejected any notion that Washington could buy or take the island. After reminding the chamber that “Greenland has been part of the Danish kingdom for 800 years” and “is not for sale,” he added: “Let me put this in words you might understand: Mr President, f** off.”*

Immediate Reprimand and Parliamentary Response

Vistisen’s unusual phrasing — particularly its profanity — drew an almost immediate response from European Parliament Vice President Nicolae Ștefănuță, who interrupted the speech to admonish the lawmaker. Ștefănuță stated that such language was against parliamentary rules and inappropriate for the chamber, warning that it could carry consequences under the legislature’s decorum standards.

Parliamentary rules prohibit the use of expletives or offensive language during official addresses, and Ștefănuță emphasized that, regardless of intense political feelings about international matters, members must abide by those standards. After the interruption, Vistisen continued the remainder of his remarks in Danish without additional profanity.

Who Is Anders Vistisen?

Anders Vistisen, 38, is a Danish politician representing the Danish People’s Party in the European Parliament. He has served on various committees, including those related to women’s rights and international relations, and is known for outspoken positions on sovereignty and national interests. His blunt language in this case reflects deep frustration among some European lawmakers over Trump’s repeated public statements regarding Greenland’s future.

This is not the first time Vistisen has used such direct language toward Trump. In a January 2025 speech on the same issue, he used a similar phrase during a European Parliament debate shortly after Trump began his current term, again defending Greenland’s long-standing ties to Denmark and rejecting the idea of it being treated like a negotiable “asset.”

Context: Trump’s Renewed Push on Greenland

The moment comes amid intensifying tensions between the U.S. and European allies over Trump’s public push to acquire control of Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory with significant strategic value in the Arctic. Over the past weeks, Trump has amplified rhetoric about the island’s importance for U.S. and NATO security — even hinting at tariffs on European nations opposing Washington’s position and emphasizing concerns over Russian and Chinese influence there.

Denmark, Greenland, and numerous NATO partners have firmly rejected any notion that Greenland is for sale or should be transferred to the United States by pressure or force, prompting diplomatic friction and widespread protest among officials and citizens in Denmark and beyond.

Symbolism and Reaction

Vistisen’s speech resonated widely on social media and among online communities, where clips and screenshots circulated rapidly, spawning debate about decorum, diplomacy, and parliamentary freedom of expression. Some observers defended his bluntness as expressive of genuine frustration over aggressive geopolitical postures; others argued that profanity has no place in formal diplomatic venues. (Public social commentary on platforms like Reddit reflects these mixed views, though without official sourcing.)

Regardless of opinion, the incident underscores how Greenland — an island with roughly 56,000 residents — has become a flashpoint in transatlantic relations and how deeply controversial Trump’s stance has become among European lawmakers. The choice by a European Parliament member to use explicit language against a sitting or former U.S. president is highly unusual and speaks to the intensity of sentiment in parts of the bloc over what they see as American overreach.

Broader Diplomatic Implications

While the profanity grabbed headlines, the substance of Vistisen’s argument — that Greenland is not for sale and remains part of the Danish realm — aligns with statements from Danish and Greenlandic officials, who have repeatedly emphasized the island’s autonomy and sovereignty. Many European leaders have simultaneously pushed back against Trump’s rhetoric, warning that such approaches risk destabilizing NATO unity and broader transatlantic cooperation.

The incident may prompt further discussion within the European Parliament about how to navigate diplomatic rhetoric while maintaining institutional standards, especially at moments of geopolitical friction. It also reflects real unease among European lawmakers about unilateral pressure from powerful states over the fate of smaller partners and allies.

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