Tensions between the United States and its closest allies escalated this week after former President Donald Trump warned that a U.S. move to take control of Greenland could bring NATO to an end.
Trump, speaking to aides and allies over the weekend, again emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland, a vast Arctic territory that belongs to Denmark, a NATO member. According to people familiar with the discussions, Trump suggested that American control of the island was essential for national security and Arctic defense, a claim that immediately alarmed European leaders.
Denmark responded forcefully. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any attempt by the United States to seize Greenland, particularly through military pressure, would shatter the foundation of NATO. She said that if one NATO country were to attack another, the alliance would effectively cease to exist.
Greenland governs its own domestic affairs but remains part of the Danish kingdom, placing it under NATO’s collective defense umbrella. Danish officials stressed that any forced takeover would violate international law and undermine decades of post World War II security cooperation.
Trump has long expressed interest in Greenland, pointing to its location near key Arctic shipping routes, its proximity to Russia, and its untapped mineral resources. Supporters of Trump argue that increased U.S. control in the Arctic would strengthen Western security and counter Russian and Chinese influence in the region.
European leaders strongly disagree. Greenland’s prime minister rejected the idea outright, stating that Greenland is not for sale and that its people have the right to determine their own future. Leaders across Europe echoed Denmark’s position, warning that unilateral action by Washington would fracture trust within the alliance.
The dispute comes at a sensitive moment for NATO, which is already facing internal strains over global conflicts, defense spending, and shifting geopolitical priorities. Analysts say the Greenland rhetoric highlights deeper concerns about alliance unity and the risks posed when national ambitions clash with collective security commitments.
While no formal action has been announced, the sharp language from both sides underscores how fragile NATO unity could become if member nations turn against one another. For now, European leaders are urging diplomacy and restraint, warning that the consequences of escalation would extend far beyond the Arctic.
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