Denmark Ignores NATO Warnings on Greenland for 20 Years, Trump Signals Possible Action

WASHINGTON / COPENHAGEN: Tensions over Greenland have escalated sharply after US President Donald Trump accused Denmark of ignoring NATO warnings for the past 20 years regarding the Russian threat in the Arctic. Trump’s statement has raised concerns about the possibility of US military action on Greenland.

Trump Issues Strong Warning

In a statement released by the White House, Trump said, “For 20 years, Denmark has ignored NATO’s warnings on Greenland. The Russian threat is real. The time for action has come, and it will be done!” Trump has repeatedly threatened to acquire Greenland, either “the easy way or the hard way,” raising alarms across Europe.

Following the announcement, the question on many minds is whether the US could launch a military operation against Greenland, a strategically significant Arctic territory. Trump also imposed plans to levy 10% tariffs on products from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and five other European countries, further heightening tensions.

Denmark Stands Firm

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any US military action against Greenland would mark the “end of NATO.” She emphasized that Denmark and Greenland will not authorize any sale, transfer, or military occupation of the island. In response, the Danish military has increased its readiness in the Arctic. Major General Søren Andersen, head of Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command, stated that their focus remains on protecting Greenland’s sovereignty and the northern NATO region.

European countries including France, Germany, and the UK have voiced strong support for Denmark. Leaders condemned Trump’s threats as “unacceptable” and “completely wrong,” signaling a unified European front.

Strategic Importance of Greenland

Greenland, geographically part of North America, lies west of Canada, separated by Baffin Bay and the Davis Strait, and east of Iceland. Its northern Arctic Ocean location is seeing rapidly melting ice, opening new maritime routes, making the region geopolitically significant. The autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark has a population of roughly 57,000 and is 80% covered by ice—the world’s second largest ice sheet after Antarctica. Its capital, Nuuk, is located on the southwest coast.

Though Greenland is part of Europe politically and culturally, its location makes it a key strategic asset in the Arctic. NATO’s Article 5 states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. Analysts warn that any US military strike could destabilize NATO, putting the alliance at a critical juncture.