Trump’s NATO and Greenland Assertions Contradicted by Alliance Records Trump claimed NATO contributed nothing after 9/11, yet the alliance invoked Article 5—the first and only collective defense action—to protect the United States and deployed forces in Afghanistan, including Danish troops that suffered casualties [1]. He also asserted the United States funded 100 % of NATO defense, while official figures show the U.S. provided roughly 63 % of total NATO defense spending in 2024 and about 16 % of the organization’s budget in 2025 [1]. Additionally, Trump described Greenland as “a piece of ice,” ignoring that it is a landmass home to over 56,000 residents and remains under Danish sovereignty per a 1941 agreement that allowed U.S. military use but retained Danish control [1].

NATO Leadership Affirms Collective Defense Commitment At a Davos panel, NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte reiterated that allies would invoke Article 5 to defend the United States, citing historic unity after major crises and emphasizing the pact’s mutual‑defense core [2]. Rutte stressed that U.S. leadership is indispensable for NATO’s cohesion, especially as the alliance confronts Arctic tensions and Russian aggression [2]. His remarks underscored that despite political disputes, the alliance’s foundational commitment remains intact [2].

Spending Targets Evolve Toward Higher Burden‑Sharing NATO has adjusted its financial framework, raising the core defense‑expenditure target to 3.5 % of GDP while a majority of members met or exceeded the traditional 2 % benchmark in 2024, with 18 of 31 allies achieving the goal [1]. The United States’ share of NATO’s organizational budget fell from about 22 % in 2017 to roughly 16 % in 2025, reflecting a broader shift toward more balanced contributions among members [1]. These changes aim to sustain long‑term security without overreliance on any single nation [1].

Greenland Dispute Risks Diverting Focus From Ukraine Trump’s push for U.S. sovereignty over Greenland, framed as essential for Arctic deterrence against Russia and China, has heightened internal NATO friction [2]. Rutte warned that the Greenland issue could distract alliance attention from Europe’s primary security challenge—the ongoing war in Ukraine, now approaching its fourth anniversary [2]. While the dispute underscores divergent strategic priorities, NATO officials stress maintaining focus on Ukraine to preserve alliance unity [2].