Copenhagen / Washington, D.C. — January 11, 2026
Tensions between the United States and its NATO allies have surged after President Donald Trump renewed calls to assert American control over Greenland, a strategic Arctic territory that is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. The controversy is prompting official warnings from European leaders who say any U.S. military action to seize Greenland would jeopardize the future of the NATO alliance.
Greenland’s semi-autonomous political leaders have unanimously rejected the idea of joining the United States, emphasizing that the island’s future should be decided by Greenlanders alone, and not by external pressure or force.
Allies Lead a Firm Response
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that a U.S. military takeover of Greenland would effectively end NATO, undermining agreements that have underpinned European and transatlantic security since World War II.
Other NATO members have publicly supported Denmark’s call for respect of Greenland’s sovereignty and stressed that collective defense should not be used to justify unilateral territorial claims. French, German, Italian, Polish, Spanish and UK leaders have underscored that Arctic security and cooperation should remain a shared responsibility within the alliance.
Trump’s Strategic Rationale and Arctic Security
President Trump and senior U.S. officials have repeatedly argued that Greenland’s geographic position and natural resources are vital to national and allied security, especially amid concerns about Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. The White House has affirmed that a range of options, including military measures, remain under discussion for securing American interests there.
Despite this, both Greenland’s government and its citizens — with an estimated 85% opposing U.S. annexation — have reinforced their desire for self-determination and territorial integrity.
NATO Unity Tested, but Not Broken
While European allies have blasted Trump’s rhetoric, some leaders, including Italy’s prime minister, do not believe an actual U.S. military invasion will occur but stress that expanding NATO’s Arctic presence must be achieved collectively and legally.
Diplomats from Denmark, the U.S., and Greenland are planning further meetings, reflecting a shared desire for diplomatic resolution rather than escalation — yet the episode exposes deep divisions over alliance priorities, Arctic geopolitics, and the interpretation of NATO’s mutual defense obligations
