Danish PM warns US attack on Greenland would end NATO as Trump pushes annexation
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned Monday that a US military attack on Greenland would destroy NATO, telling Danish broadcaster TV2 that any NATO member attacking another would collapse the alliance and end post-WWII security. Her statement follows renewed pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called for American control of the semi-autonomous island, citing security concerns and claiming Denmark isn't spending enough to protect its 57,000 residents.
Trump's comments came after US military action in Venezuela and his promise to "talk about Greenland in 20 days." The president dismissed Denmark's contributions, saying: "They have a very small population... Denmark has spent no money. They have no military protection." However, Denmark has actually been diverting billions of dollars to Greenland for defence and infrastructure upgrades.
European leaders have rallied behind Denmark. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he "stands with" Frederiksen, while France and Germany also pledged support for Greenland remaining under Danish control.
US interest in Greenland isn't new—Washington first explored purchasing the island in 1867 after acquiring Alaska, seeking Arctic access and strategic trade routes. The island hosts the US military's northernmost air base and radar installations critical for missile warning and space surveillance. Trump claims his interest isn't about Greenland's vast mineral wealth (critical minerals and fossil fuels becoming more accessible as ice melts), though the island sits at a strategic crossroads between the North Atlantic and Arctic, with climate change opening shorter maritime routes between North America, Europe and Asia.