US President Donald Trump has reignited tensions over Greenland after insisting that the vast Arctic island should come under American control, arguing that it is vital to US national security. His remarks have prompted renewed diplomatic unease among NATO allies and strong reactions from Greenland and Denmark.
On Monday, NATO and Greenland’s government said they plan to strengthen the defence of the Danish autonomous territory, partly in hopes of discouraging any US move to annex the island. The announcement followed Trump’s latest comments on Sunday, when he said the United States would take Greenland “one way or the other” and mocked the island’s limited defences, claiming it had only “two dog sleds.”
Faced with the possibility of annexation by force, Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has turned to NATO for support. In a social media post, he stressed that Greenland’s security future lies firmly within the alliance. “Our security and defence belong in NATO. That is a fundamental and firm line,” Nielsen said, adding that any defence development in and around Greenland must take place in close cooperation with NATO, Denmark, and the United States.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed that the alliance is already discussing “next steps” to enhance Arctic security. Diplomats say some members have floated ideas such as launching a new NATO mission in the region, though discussions remain at an early stage with no concrete proposals yet.
Denmark has reacted cautiously but firmly. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any armed US attack on Greenland would effectively end NATO. At the same time, Copenhagen has sought to ease tensions by boosting regional security, committing around 90 billion kroner (€11 billion) in 2025.
Greenland, home to about 57,000 people, is rich in untapped minerals and strategically located. While it once hosted several US bases, only one remains today. Denmark has said it would not oppose an extended US military presence under existing defence agreements.
