Danish soldier walks in front of the Joint Arctic Command Centre in Nuuk, Greenland, 16 January 2026. © AP / Evgeniy Maloletka
U.S. president Donald Trump warned that he could impose duties on American trading partners who do not support his efforts to take over Greenland. This will exacerbate tensions with European allies and make fresh uncertainty about NATO's unity.
During a Friday gathering at the White House, the U.S. president doubled his efforts in his run to take control of the vast, mineral-rich Arctic island—the goal he has been pursuing since his first word of office and which he enthusiastically renewed after returning to office last year.
He had not previously ruled out the usage of military force, stating that “We'll get Greenland anyway.”
"I can impose duties on countries that will not agree on Greenland due to the fact that we request Greenland for national security" – he said.
"So I can do it."
Trump besides did not regulation out the withdrawal of the United States from NATO if the block opposed his ambitions.
“We will see” – said, noting that so far "NATO held talks with us on Greenland".
Trump claims that only US sovereignty can prevent the Danish autonomous island from being taken over by Beijing or Moscow – this allegation was rejected by both countries.
European NATO members mostly refrained from direct public confrontation, but behind the scenes opposition is increasing.
This week Denmark, which continues to be liable for Greenland's abroad and defence policy, coordinated actions with respective allies to send tiny contingents of troops to the island before Arctic Endurance block exercises.
France, Germany, Sweden, Norway and the United Kingdom provided staff there, as interpreted as strengthening Greenland's existing sovereignty.
However, Denmark's highest military commander in Greenland, Major General Søren Andersen, rejected all conflicts between NATO members as hypothetical.
"I do not see a NATO ally attacking another NATO ally" – He said.
"My task is to act here to defend the kingdom, together with NATO".
NATO chief Mark Rutte refused to address the interior dispute in the block.
"I never comment on alliance discussions" – he said.
Danish officials expressed concern, but the government's public consequence remains balanced.
After meetings in Washington this week, the Danish abroad Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen acknowledged that there is ‘fundamental dispute’ with the United States, but expressed hope that the recently created "Bilateral Working Group" It'll solve this problem.
Translated by Google Translator
source:https://www.rt.com/news/631065-trump-nato-greenland-tariffs/
