What can I say? I have to write this comment because my family happiness depends on it. Anyone who has a Danish mother and who learned Danish as a first language knows that there are few countries that have this charmingly steadfast patriotism and equally refined national cult, what Denmark. Just like we can't imagine a Christmas tree without one in Denmark Danebrogathe Danish national flag, it is also impossible to think about birthdays, family anniversaries or even a simple exchange of letters or text messages without it.
Outside the borders of this small Scandinavian country, Danish national pride was felt during the performances of the national team, during royal weddings, anniversaries of the throne and, most recently, the coronation of King Frederick X.
Germans can only envy the Danes' cordial bond with their country, culture and history. It is also worth recalling that in 1943, when all Danish Jews were ordered to be arrested, The Danes managed to transport 7,220 people out of approximately 7,800 to Sweden. This is an exceptional feat. King Christian X did not bow to the Nazis during the occupation.
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The Danes didn't want the euro or the Schengen area because in a Europe that was too united, they always saw too much German influence. Today they are in the Schengen area, but they have been controlling their borders for years. And this brings us to Donald Trump and Greenland.
The descendants of the Vikings do not like it when something is imposed on them
The Danes are a nation with strong Anglo-Saxon connections. Today they cooperate closely with the European continent, but they have always felt close to Britainwhich is why after Brexit some Europeans expected a “dexit” or at least considerations on this topic.
Nothing like this happened, despite the threat from Russia The Danes became even closer to the rest of Europenot only to the five most frugal countries, but to the entire continent. They supported the Ukrainians in an exemplary and consistent manner, but did not give up control of their own borders.
The Danes don't let anyone tell them anything. They are not intimidated, they are not afraid of anything. Legend has it that King Christian X rode through Copenhagen with the Star of David on his chest during the Nazi occupation – it speaks for itself. The Danes are descendants of the Vikings, they consider Copenhagen the center of the world, and their culture a phenomenon of global aesthetics – and rightly so.
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. Illustrative photoMister_Knight / Shutterstock
Unfortunately, like the rest of Europe, The Danes have also turned a blind eye to the geostrategic changes around them for too long. The Baltic Sea has begun to wake up after a decade of Russian provocations. However, while the Russians and even the Chinese were creating elaborate plans to pursue their military and economic interests in the Arctic, Denmark and Europe – as often happens – remained blissfully half asleep.
Greenland, due to its location between North America and Europe, close to new Arctic shipping routes and air corridors, is crucial to protecting Western interests in this region. The American Pituffik base plays a huge role in the missile early warning system, space monitoring and deterrence against Russia and China.
Additionally, Greenland contains valuable raw materials, such as rare earth metals, important for technological and geopolitical independence. The Danes are well aware of this, but they have not made much use of it. The aggressive provocations of Russian submarines were generally accepted calmly.
Trump's rhetoric had the opposite effect than intended
Donald Trump – the new Trump, not the isolationist from the election campaign – believes that the West as a whole is in danger. He doesn't have the best opinion of conceited Europeans. He does not believe that the Danes are sufficiently preparedto actually defend ourselves in the event of a more serious Russian threat or potential Chinese actions.
Donald Trump, president of the USA. Washington, January 15, 2026PAP/EPA/WILL OLIVER
The American president's crude rhetoric towards the Danes was clearly unnecessary and had the opposite effect than intended. Danes are intelligent and enterprising — it was enough to invite them with all honors and clearly emphasize that the USA, as the main defender of the West, wants to have on its side the brightest, most elegant and most beautiful part of Europe.
I don't want to overuse controversial comparisons, but even Danish women – like the whole country – have it a cool, casual charm that does not tolerate showing off or boasting. Trump opted for the rudest solution possible — so much so that even Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio refused to echo his tone.
My dream European alliance
Even those who consider the current European Union to be an impediment to innovation, growth and freedom know that the West must be united, not divided. The Americans should not bribe the Greenlanders separately (it is true, Denmark's colonial history is sad in places), but make the Danes privileged partners of the growing American economy and beneficiaries of security guarantees – in exchange for the expansion of American observation installations and military bases.
If Europeans had a charismatic leader today, someone like him could have orchestrated all this. Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy, is probably closest to such a role. Trump likes and respects her, and Meloni represents a common-sense attitude to strengthen NATO's presence in the Arctic, solve security issues together and not undermine international law or Greenland's sovereignty.
Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, and Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark, at Christiansborg Castle in Copenhagen, October 1, 2025.Liselotte Sabroe / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP
There would be a Danish-Italian alliance the quintessence of European elegance. The most beautiful coalition of the 21st century.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
