Greenland rejects Trump’s takeover push, warns of NATO and sovereignty risks
Greenland’s government and Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen have firmly rejected President Donald Trump’s renewed claims that the United States could take control of the Arctic territory, calling the idea unacceptable under international law and dangerous for NATO unity. While acknowledging Greenland’s growing strategic importance, leaders stressed that defense and security must be handled through the NATO alliance in cooperation with Denmark and the U.S., not through unilateral action. Trump’s rhetoric has alarmed European allies and raised concerns about long-term stability in the Arctic as geopolitical competition intensifies.
Greenland’s government has firmly rejected renewed claims by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting the United States could take control of the Arctic territory, warning that such rhetoric undermines international law and risks destabilizing NATO unity.
In separate statements issued Monday, Greenland’s government and Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said they “cannot accept” the idea of a U.S. takeover “in any way,” reaffirming that Greenland remains part of the Danish Commonwealth and a member of NATO through Denmark. Officials emphasized that Greenland’s security must be addressed collectively within the NATO alliance not through unilateral action.
“As part of the Danish Commonwealth, Greenland is a member of NATO, and the defence of Greenland must therefore be through NATO,” the government said, adding that the territory would “forever be part of the Western defence alliance.”
Trump reignited controversy over the weekend while speaking aboard Air Force One, declaring that the U.S. would acquire Greenland “one way or another.” He argued that American control is necessary to prevent Russia or China from gaining a strategic foothold in the Arctic, an increasingly contested region due to climate change and military expansion.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday that Trump has not set a timeline for acquiring Greenland but described it as a “priority,” framing the move as beneficial for both U.S. national security and Greenland’s protection.
Prime Minister Nielsen acknowledged Greenland’s growing strategic importance but stressed that any discussions about defense must occur “in close cooperation” with NATO allies, including Denmark and the United States. “We are a democratic society that makes our own decisions,” he said, adding that Greenland’s actions are guided by international law.
The United States already maintains a military presence in Greenland under a 1951 treaty, allowing Washington to operate and expand bases as part of NATO’s collective Arctic defenses. However, Trump’s recent statements—suggesting force could be used if necessary—have alarmed European allies and raised concerns about a potential fracture within NATO.
Denmark and Greenland are expected to hold talks in Washington this week with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while Canada has reiterated its support for Greenland’s sovereignty. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand is also planning a visit to Nuuk as Ottawa expands its Arctic diplomatic footprint.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed that alliance members are discussing how to safeguard Arctic security through diplomatic means, though he declined to comment on whether NATO would establish a formal mission in Greenland.
Trump has dismissed concerns that a takeover could damage NATO, questioning whether allies would defend the U.S. if needed comments that have further strained relations. Analysts warn that continued pressure on Greenland could have long-term consequences for transatlantic cooperation and Arctic stability.
As global attention intensifies, Greenland’s leaders remain resolute: the future of the territory, they insist, will be decided by its people not imposed by external powers.