Trump pushes for US control of Greenland, straining NATO alliances and prompting European military moves

Trump has repeatedly stated that having Greenland under United States control is necessary for national security and is 'unacceptable' otherwise. He suggested the US could take Greenland the 'hard way' if necessary, though later said he would not use military force to acquire it. The White House stated that a 'range of options,' including the military, remains on the table.

European allies, particularly Denmark which governs Greenland, reacted with alarm. The Danish prime minister said a US takeover of Greenland would mean the end of the NATO alliance. Denmark and other European nations, including the UK and Germany, began discussing and deploying troops to Greenland for defensive exercises. NATO's chief, Rutte, said talks with Trump would focus on Arctic security and keeping Russia and China out.

Trump backed off from imposing tariffs related to Greenland following NATO security talks. The United States also moved to cut roughly 200 positions from NATO advisory groups. Senator Marco Rubio said technical talks between the US, Denmark, and Greenland over an Arctic security deal have begun.