Trump Revives Greenland Sovereignty Push President Donald Trump announced in early 2026 that the United States would “do something” about Greenland, even proposing direct payments to residents to encourage secession and framing Arctic control as a security imperative[1]. He reiterated the demand during multiple interviews, stating the island’s ownership matters regardless of Denmark’s position[2]. The rhetoric marks a shift toward treating sovereignty as a transactional asset in U.S. foreign policy[1].

Denmark Links Greenland Threat to NATO Collapse Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any U.S. attempt to take Greenland would end the NATO alliance, tying the island’s fate directly to collective defense guarantees[2]. She emphasized Greenland’s special status within the Kingdom of Denmark and warned that a military move against a NATO ally would break the alliance[2]. European leaders echoed this stance, issuing a joint statement that Greenland’s future rests with its people and Denmark[1].

U.S. Military Footprint Already Deep in Greenland The United States operates the Pituffik Space Base under a 1951 defense agreement, providing a longstanding strategic presence on the island[2]. Recent Danish approvals for F‑35 purchases and legislation expanding U.S. military access have further deepened the partnership, complicating Copenhagen’s diplomatic response[2]. Newsweek notes the Trump administration is already challenging the adequacy of the 1951 treaty, exploring sovereignty‑sharing models that keep defense under Washington while granting Greenland autonomy[1].

Europe Mobilizes Economic and Rapid‑Deployment Countermeasures The EU is considering freezing a major U.S.–EU trade deal and discussing an “European Rapid Deployment” force to defend Greenland’s territorial integrity[1]. France, Germany, Italy, and Poland issued a joint declaration condemning the U.S. push and asserting that any unilateral action would undermine strategic autonomy[1]. Analysts warn that the Greenland gambit could weaken the Atlantic alliance even if mineral resources are secured[1].