Anders Vistisen, a conservative member of the European Parliament from Denmark, defended his strong language directed at former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding his comments about American interest in acquiring Greenland.

During a speech in Parliament earlier this week, Vistisen told Trump to “f**k off,” a statement that has drawn both criticism and attention across Europe.

Greenland is not for sale. Greenland has been part of Denmark for 800 years, more then double of the time the US has existed.

Any true patriot should understand that this is an uacceptable attack on national sovereignty! pic.twitter.com/SlHbR5OGjg

— Anders Vistisen (@AndersVistisen) January 21, 2025

In an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett on Thursday, Vistisen explained the reasoning behind his blunt response.

“First of all, it is a completely unacceptable attack on Danish sovereignty to want to claim territory that has been Danish since the 10th century, three times as long as the United States has existed,” he said.

“But also because my party are unhappy with the Danish government not taking a more clear stand towards these signals from the U.S. president.”

Trump’s suggestion that the United States could take control of Greenland has sparked controversy since it was first mentioned during his presidency.

Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has been under Danish rule for centuries.

Vistisen noted that Trump has made similar comments about incorporating other nations, such as Canada and the Panama Canal, but pointed out that those governments have been “more firm” in their pushback against such ideas.

Vistisen’s choice of words in Parliament led to criticism from some of his European Parliament colleagues, who argued it was inappropriate for the forum.

However, Vistisen dismissed these concerns during his interview with Burnett, accusing the Parliament of a double standard in how it enforces decorum.

“The European Parliament has a quite biased way of interpreting these rules,” Vistisen said. “It’s OK to call people fascists, racists, communists, but apparently you cannot use the same language as Mr. Trump has used regarding his own top generals in the Pentagon.”

Vistisen stood by his statement, adding that he was open to addressing any formal complaints.

“If they have a problem, they can take it up with me,” he said. “I have not heard from the president of Parliament since my speech, so I’m waiting for her to contact me, but I don’t assume it will be a big deal.”

Burnett raised Trump’s argument that Greenland’s incorporation into the United States would enhance U.S. security.

Vistisen acknowledged the validity of America’s strategic concerns but emphasized that Denmark has always been a reliable NATO ally and has cooperated with U.S. military needs in the region.

“We take those concerns very seriously,” Vistisen said.

“We are a NATO ally, but America has had a military presence in Greenland since 1941, and we have accommodated all security concerns. So if America wants to have more bases or different kind of equipment in Greenland, there is actually no one contesting that, neither in Greenland nor in Denmark.”

Greenland is of significant strategic importance due to its location in the Arctic and its proximity to potential shipping lanes and military operations.

However, Vistisen made clear that Denmark has no intention of relinquishing sovereignty over the territory.

Trump’s comments about Greenland have drawn criticism internationally, with many viewing the proposal as unrealistic and offensive to Danish sovereignty.

Vistisen’s strong remarks in response have sparked further discussion about the balance between diplomacy and national pride.

While the controversy continues to unfold, Vistisen appears firm in his stance.

His statement reflects broader frustrations among Danish leaders who see Trump’s rhetoric as a challenge to their nation’s autonomy and an overreach by the United States.