Denmark Warns NATO Could Collapse Over US Threat to Greenland

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that the NATO military alliance would cease to function if the United States attempts to seize Greenland by force. Her statement follows renewed remarks from US President Donald Trump suggesting that Washington should take direct control of the Arctic island.

Frederiksen said that a military attack by one NATO member on another would destroy the alliance’s foundation, ending decades of collective security established after the Second World War. Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark and is therefore covered under NATO through Danish membership.

Trump has recently revived his long-standing interest in Greenland, stating that the issue would be discussed publicly in the coming weeks. He has repeatedly argued that Greenland is critical for US national security and has refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of the territory.

Tensions increased after a senior US political figure who supports annexation was appointed as a special envoy to Greenland. Public controversy also followed the circulation of an image online showing Greenland portrayed with US national colors, implying future American control.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen criticized the gesture, calling it disrespectful and dismissive of Greenland’s political status and rights. However, he urged residents not to panic, emphasizing that Greenland is not for sale and that its future will be decided by its people, not foreign pressure.

Greenland’s strategic location between Europe and North America makes it vital for missile defense systems, while its vast mineral resources have gained importance as global powers compete to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains. The United States has expressed concern over growing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic region.

Despite rising tensions, Greenland’s leadership has sought to calm public fears, stating that there is no immediate threat of military takeover and that international law remains firmly on Greenland’s side.

Denmark and Greenland have both reiterated that cooperation, not coercion, is the only acceptable path forward, warning that any attempt to forcibly change Greenland’s status would have far-reaching consequences for global security and the future of NATO.