Trump Demands U.S. Control Over Greenland President Donald Trump has repeatedly declared that the United States must acquire Greenland, citing its strategic location and mineral wealth, and has floated options ranging from a purchase to outright military action [1][2][3]. He warned he would act “whether Denmark likes it or not,” underscoring a willingness to bypass diplomatic channels [2]. The White House confirmed it is “discussing a range of options,” including a possible Compact‑of‑Free‑Association‑style arrangement [3].

Denmark and Greenland Assert Sovereignty Within NATO Greenland remains an autonomous territory of Denmark and a NATO member, a status emphasized by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Premier Jens‑Frederik Nielsen [1][2]. Both warned that any U.S. takeover would fracture the transatlantic alliance and could signal the end of NATO’s collective defense commitments [1][2][3]. Greenland’s business minister described U.S. pressure as “unfathomable,” noting residents’ anxiety and fear for their children [1].

Diplomatic Talks Intensify in Washington and Copenhagen Officials from Denmark, Greenland, and the United States met in Washington and plan follow‑up talks in Copenhagen, while a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation will travel to Denmark to demonstrate unity [1][2]. NATO Secretary‑General urged the alliance to focus on Arctic security rather than internal politics, framing the dispute as a broader security issue [1]. The Danish parliament recently approved legislation expanding U.S. military access on Danish soil, reinforcing formal security cooperation [1].

Analysts Predict Quick Military Feasibility but Political Crisis Experts note that the existing U.S. presence at Pituffik Space Base, authorized by a 1951 defense agreement, would allow a rapid seizure with little resistance [3]. Nonetheless, they stress that NATO would treat any move as a political crisis, employing diplomatic isolation, economic pressure, and renegotiated base agreements rather than direct confrontation [3]. European leaders, eight of them publicly backing Denmark, are prepared to leverage non‑military tools such as denying refueling or increasing base fees to deter unilateral action [3].