Trump insists for Greenland he is ‘very serious’ about taking Greenland despite NATO warnings
US President Donald Trump has reiterated that he is “very serious” about taking control of Greenland, despite strong warnings from European leaders that such a move could trigger a crisis within NATO.
Mr Trump has renewed his interest in the mineral rich Arctic territory since returning to the White House, arguing that the self governing island is essential for defence. Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and both Denmark and the United States are NATO allies.
Speaking after a US operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Mr Trump told The Atlantic that the United States “needs” Greenland for security reasons.
Denmark’s prime minister Mette Frederiksen responded by warning that any US invasion of Greenland would bring cooperation to a halt, including within NATO.
Despite mounting criticism, Mr Trump has refused to soften his stance, saying the island is needed “right now”.
‘We need it for national security’
In an interview with NBC News, Mr Trump said Greenland was vital not only for the United States but also for Europe.
“We need Greenland for national security, and that includes Europe,” he said. “I am very loyal to Europe. Greenland is very important for the national security of the United States, Europe, and other parts of the free world.”
He added that there was “no timeline” for action but stressed he remained “very serious” about the proposal.
Denmark rejects US claims
Ms Frederiksen dismissed the idea outright, saying the US had no legal or moral right to annex Greenland.
“It makes absolutely no sense to talk about the US needing to take over Greenland,” she said. “The United States has no right to annex any of the three countries in the Danish Kingdom.”
She urged Washington to stop what she described as threats against a close ally and against a people who have made clear they are not for sale.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed Denmark’s position, saying the future of Greenland must be decided only by Greenland and Denmark.
“Denmark is a close European ally and a close NATO ally,” he said. “The future has to be for Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark, and only for them.”
NATO concerns grow
Former UK defence secretary Ben Wallace warned that a US annexation of Greenland would amount to a severe crisis for NATO.
He said it could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin by signalling that international law can be ignored by powerful states.
“If the biggest backer of NATO decides legality no longer matters, that becomes extremely dangerous,” he said.
‘Donroe Doctrine’ rhetoric
Mr Trump has sought to justify his position by invoking the Monroe Doctrine, named after former US president James Monroe. He has rebranded it as the “Donroe Doctrine”, claiming American dominance in the Western Hemisphere would never again be questioned.
The US already operates a military base in Greenland, but there is little local support for a full American takeover. Vice President JD Vance received a frosty reception during a visit last year, and the head of the US base was later removed after criticising remarks made during the trip.
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Greenland’s prime minister Jens Frederik Nielsen rejected Mr Trump’s comments, saying “that’s enough now” and describing US control of the island as a fantasy.
Venezuela operation draws scrutiny
The renewed Greenland dispute comes as the US faces criticism over its military action in Venezuela. Mr Trump has defended the operation that removed Mr Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who have since been flown to New York and charged with weapons and drug offences.
Both deny the allegations, which they say are politically motivated.
Sir Keir said the US would need to justify its actions and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to international law, though he stopped short of saying whether Washington had acted illegally.
The operation has been criticised by Labour MPs and opposition parties, including the Liberal Democrats, Greens and SNP. Emily Thornberry, chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, said the strikes were not legal and warned of “international anarchy” that could embolden Russia and China.
The UN Security Council has convened to discuss the US action. UK ambassador James Kariuki said Britain wanted a peaceful transition to legitimate government in Venezuela, while UN official Rosemary DiCarlo said she was deeply concerned that international law may not have been respected.
As tensions rise on multiple fronts, European leaders have made clear that any attempt to seize Greenland would be viewed as a direct challenge to international law and to the foundations of NATO itself.
