In a blistering rebuke of recent statements by US President Donald Trump, former NATO Secretary General and Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen has condemned what he describes as “shameless” threats against Denmark over Greenland. The criticism follows Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring the resource-rich Arctic territory for the United States, even going so far as to suggest the use of military force if diplomatic efforts fail.

Speaking to Politico on May 12, Rasmussen emphasized that Greenland is an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its people have no desire to become American citizens. “It is shameless that an American president can threaten an ally,” Rasmussen said. “Denmark is one of the closest and most reliable allies of the US.”

Trump’s aggressive posture over Greenland has sparked diplomatic tensions between Washington and Copenhagen, as well as political outrage in both Denmark and Greenland itself. The autonomous territory has long been under Danish sovereignty, and while it governs its internal affairs, its foreign and defense policy is administered in coordination with Denmark. Greenland has also expressed aspirations for full independence in the future, but the notion of being absorbed into the United States has been flatly rejected by its political leaders and general public.

The controversy escalated earlier this month during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, where Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland. “I do not say I am going to do it, but I do not rule out anything,” Trump

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