The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: Furious Denmark Prepares for World War if Trump Invades
Date: January 10, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Guest: Rufus Gifford – Former US Ambassador to Denmark
Overview
In this urgent episode, the MeidasTouch brothers dissect escalating tensions in Europe after Donald Trump openly threatens to take control of Greenland, a part of Denmark, by military force if necessary. Ben Meiselas interviews former Ambassador Rufus Gifford to unpack the diplomatic, historical, and security implications of Trump's provocative rhetoric—especially regarding NATO unity and America's global standing. The episode blends insider insights, forceful critiques, and a grave warning about the consequences of undermining alliances.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Trump’s Threats Against Denmark and Greenland
[00:28–02:54]
- Ben sets the stakes, citing that Denmark, Greenland, and much of Europe are "furious at the Trump regime." He references statements from Germany’s foreign minister, warning that any US invasion of Greenland—part of Denmark and NATO—would trigger a collective defense response.
- Trump’s own words at a meeting with oil executives and former ambassador Rufus Gifford are played, in which Trump insists, "we are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not."
- Quote (Trump, 01:43): "Right now, we are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not. Because if we don't do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we're not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor."
- Trump further downplays Denmark’s historical claim, saying: "They had a boat land there 500 years ago doesn't mean they own the land."
- Trump’s approach is framed as a choice between "the easy way or the hard way," both implying an ultimatum.
2. US Officials Refuse to Rule Out Use of Force
[02:54–04:24]
- Ben shares a clip of Thomas Danz, Trump’s representative on the Arctic Research Commission:
- Danz reaffirms Trump’s stance, citing "major risk to American national security" and insisting, "things need to change," refusing to take military invasion off the table.
- Quote (Danz, 04:20): "Bottom line is everything's on the table. Everything's always on the table."
3. Ambassador Rufus Gifford’s Reaction & Historical Context
[04:24–07:44]
- Rufus Gifford immediately brands Trump’s posture as "reckless" and "clueless," explaining that the entire premise for needing control of Greenland undermines NATO's core principles.
- Quote (Gifford, 05:15): "Anyone who has any national security experience would tell you that argument is bogus, flawed, incredibly naive, and more than that, legitimately clueless and doesn't understand a chapter of a history book for the last 80 years."
- Gifford explains that an attack on Greenland would invoke Article 5 of NATO, requiring all member states, including the US, to defend Denmark—making the threat not just illegal but a direct attack on the alliance.
4. Consequences for Trust and Alliance
[08:03–11:37]
- Gifford shares his heartbreak at watching years of US-Danish trust erode, recalling Denmark’s sacrifices alongside the US in Afghanistan.
- Quote (Gifford, 08:03): "Trust... takes years and years to earn and can be broken like that... by one administration very, very quickly."
- He reads a message from a Danish soldier: "A soldier never forgets who stood by his side and nations shouldn't either."
- He stresses that Trump's rhetoric will affect US-Danish cultural ties, reduce travel, commerce, and future diplomatic cooperation.
5. Trump’s Real Motivations and Geo-Political Connections
[11:37–15:04]
- Ben and Gifford explore Trump’s motivations, suggesting a mix of predatory power politics and confusion over the value of alliances.
- Ben notes Trump’s talk of the US as a "predator country" and his fixation on the map size of Greenland.
- Gifford points out that Trump lumps Greenland and Venezuela together, both seen as resource grabs: "Greenland has rare earth minerals. The second thing is Western Hemisphere domination..."
- Both agree the arguments for taking Greenland are nonsensical to anyone versed in history or foreign policy.
6. What’s Next? Can This Crisis Be Prevented?
[15:04–17:32]
- Gifford calls for bold domestic opposition and international solidarity:
- US institutions and public must vocally oppose the administration’s posture.
- Allies need to toughen their stance, making clear that military action would provoke serious retaliation.
- Quote (Gifford, 17:09): "We have to build a movement inside the United States... that this kind of action flies in the face of American self interest. This is one man's selfish self interest."
- He emphasizes the need to protect the NATO alliance above all.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Donald Trump (01:43): "We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not."
- Thomas Danz (04:20): "Everything's on the table. Everything's always on the table."
- Rufus Gifford (05:15): "Anyone who has any national security experience would tell you that argument is bogus, flawed, incredibly naive..."
- Danish soldier to Gifford (08:03): "A soldier never forgets who stood by his side and nations shouldn't either."
- Rufus Gifford (17:09): "We have to build a movement inside the United States... This is one man's selfish self interest. This is not American self interest."
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:28–02:54: Trump’s Greenland threats and rationale.
- 02:54–04:24: Thomas Danz signals military options are under consideration.
- 04:24–07:44: Rufus Gifford’s analysis: NATO, history, and why Trump is mistaken.
- 08:03–11:37: Personal and alliance consequences, Danish reactions.
- 11:37–15:04: Examination of Trump’s thinking, resource motivations.
- 15:04–17:32: Urgent calls for US and allied action.
Tone and Style
The episode is urgent, somber, and at times incredulous, with the hosts expressing deep concern for the future of America’s alliances and world peace. Rufus Gifford speaks with passionate clarity and force, blending diplomatic professionalism with emotional candor.
Summary Takeaway
This episode offers a clear warning: Trump’s threatened aggression against Greenland is more than reckless rhetoric—it risks fracturing the NATO alliance, harming US global standing, and reversing decades of trust and sacrifice with allied nations. The urgency is not just about policy, but about defending the values of democracy, partnership, and peace. The MeidasTouch brothers and Rufus Gifford call on listeners to remain vigilant, active, and outspoken in the face of rising authoritarianism at home and abroad.