Greenland draws a red line as President Donald Trump pushes U.S. sovereignty over military bases
TOI GLOBAL | Jan 27, 2026, 19:40 IST
Greenland has firmly rejected President Donald Trump’s proposal that the United States gain sovereign control over U.S. military bases on the Arctic island, calling it a “red line.” Greenlandic and Danish leaders say sovereignty is non-negotiable, even as they remain open to NATO cooperation and expanded security arrangements. Trump’s comments following a vague Davos “framework deal” have heightened anxiety in Greenland, where officials stress dialogue, partnership, and respect for sovereignty amid growing Arctic tensions.
Greenland’s government has firmly rejected President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the United States should take control of American military bases on the Arctic island. They view this idea as a non-negotiable “red line” amidst rising tensions in the region.
In an interview with USA TODAY, Greenlandic minister Naaja Nathanielsen stated that while Greenland is open to working with the United States and NATO on security issues, giving up sovereignty is not an option. “Giving up sovereignty is not on the table,” Nathanielsen said. This stance is supported by both Greenland’s leadership and Denmark, which oversees the territory’s foreign and defense policy.
Trump made his comments following his appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed what they called a “framework deal” regarding Greenland. However, days later, officials in Greenland, Denmark, and across Europe expressed uncertainty about what had actually been agreed upon. No formal details have been released, and Greenlandic officials stated they were not consulted prior to the announcement.
The controversy revolves around Trump’s insistence that the United States should effectively “own” the land where American bases are located in Greenland, treating them as U.S. territory. He has repeatedly claimed that this control is necessary to counter Russia and China’s growing military and economic influence in the Arctic. Following Davos, he argued that the United States would get “everything we want” in Greenland, including unrestricted military access.
Greenland’s leaders have strongly opposed this view. Nathanielsen pointed out that NATO does not have the authority to negotiate sovereignty issues for Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has also made it clear that Denmark is willing to discuss security cooperation and defense arrangements but will not negotiate sovereignty under any circumstances.
Currently, the U.S. has one military installation in Greenland: the Pituffik Space Base in the island’s northwest. The base, staffed by about 150 personnel, plays a critical role in missile defense and space surveillance. According to an existing U.S.–Denmark defense agreement, Washington can expand its military presence only with approval from both Denmark and Greenland.
Trump has suggested that this arrangement does not go far enough. His renewed pressure campaign, including threats of tariffs against European nations opposed to U.S. control over Greenland, has made local officials uneasy. Although Trump later backed off those threats and ruled out the use of force, anxiety remains high on the island.
Nathanielsen recognized that Trump’s changing rhetoric has caused lasting uncertainty among Greenlanders. She stated that her government’s priority is to restore stability through dialogue and ensure that Greenland is treated as a partner rather than a strategic asset. “We still need to understand what and where the problems are that the U.S. sees,” she said.
Despite the standoff, Greenland has shown openness to increased NATO involvement in the Arctic, including the idea of a permanent NATO mission. Officials believe this could strengthen regional security without compromising sovereignty, which they find much more acceptable than unilateral U.S. claims over Greenlandic land.
In an interview with USA TODAY, Greenlandic minister Naaja Nathanielsen stated that while Greenland is open to working with the United States and NATO on security issues, giving up sovereignty is not an option. “Giving up sovereignty is not on the table,” Nathanielsen said. This stance is supported by both Greenland’s leadership and Denmark, which oversees the territory’s foreign and defense policy.
Trump made his comments following his appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed what they called a “framework deal” regarding Greenland. However, days later, officials in Greenland, Denmark, and across Europe expressed uncertainty about what had actually been agreed upon. No formal details have been released, and Greenlandic officials stated they were not consulted prior to the announcement.
The controversy revolves around Trump’s insistence that the United States should effectively “own” the land where American bases are located in Greenland, treating them as U.S. territory. He has repeatedly claimed that this control is necessary to counter Russia and China’s growing military and economic influence in the Arctic. Following Davos, he argued that the United States would get “everything we want” in Greenland, including unrestricted military access.
Greenland’s leaders have strongly opposed this view. Nathanielsen pointed out that NATO does not have the authority to negotiate sovereignty issues for Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has also made it clear that Denmark is willing to discuss security cooperation and defense arrangements but will not negotiate sovereignty under any circumstances.
Currently, the U.S. has one military installation in Greenland: the Pituffik Space Base in the island’s northwest. The base, staffed by about 150 personnel, plays a critical role in missile defense and space surveillance. According to an existing U.S.–Denmark defense agreement, Washington can expand its military presence only with approval from both Denmark and Greenland.
Trump has suggested that this arrangement does not go far enough. His renewed pressure campaign, including threats of tariffs against European nations opposed to U.S. control over Greenland, has made local officials uneasy. Although Trump later backed off those threats and ruled out the use of force, anxiety remains high on the island.
Nathanielsen recognized that Trump’s changing rhetoric has caused lasting uncertainty among Greenlanders. She stated that her government’s priority is to restore stability through dialogue and ensure that Greenland is treated as a partner rather than a strategic asset. “We still need to understand what and where the problems are that the U.S. sees,” she said.
Despite the standoff, Greenland has shown openness to increased NATO involvement in the Arctic, including the idea of a permanent NATO mission. Officials believe this could strengthen regional security without compromising sovereignty, which they find much more acceptable than unilateral U.S. claims over Greenlandic land.