Amid the rising US-Denmark tensions, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has declared that any American military action against Greenland would mark the collapse of NATO and the entire post-World War II security order. These remarks come from her after President Donald Trump intensified his long-standing interest in acquiring or controlling the Arctic island.
Frederiksen’s Blunt Rebuke
Speaking to Danish broadcaster TV2, Frederiksen did not mince words: “If the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops,” she said. “That includes NATO and thus the security that has been established since the end of the Second World War.” She described the threats from Donald Trump as serious and unacceptable, emphasizing that Denmark would defend Greenland’s sovereignty at all costs.
The comments follow Trump’s recent interviews and social media activity, where he has revived his 2019 proposal to purchase Greenland, this time hinting at stronger measures if negotiations fail.
The Strategic Value of Greenland
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, spanning more than 836,000 square miles and mostly covered in ice. Its location offers critical advantages: it hosts the US-operated Thule Air Base, which is a cornerstone of North American missile defence, and controls access to emerging Arctic shipping routes as climate change melts sea ice.
The territory is also rich in rare earth minerals and other resources vital for modern technology and defense industries. These factors made Greenland a geopolitical flashpoint, especially as Russia and China expand their Arctic presence.
US interest in Greenland
Trump’s fixation on Greenland dates back to his first term, when he publicly floated buying this island, which is an idea that Denmark swiftly rejected. Now, in his second administration, Trump has escalated the rhetoric. In a recent interview with The Atlantic, he said he would address Greenland “in 20 days” and has not ruled out military options.
Adding to the controversy, Katie Miller, wife of Trump’s deputy chief of staff, posted an image on X of Greenland overlaid with the American flag, captioned “SOON.” Such provocations have fuelled speculation about US intentions, particularly after recent American operations in Venezuela that raised concerns about unilateral actions.
Defiance from Greenland Leaders
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute B. Egede has firmly rejected any US claims. “Trump must give up fantasies about annexation,” Egede declared, stressing that Greenland is not for sale and that its people value their ties to Denmark while pursuing greater self-determination.
The island’s government has reiterated its commitment to autonomy and has called for international respect for its status.
International Reaction and NATO concerns
The UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed solidarity with Denmark, urging the US to drop threats against a fellow NATO member. Other European leaders have voiced unease, fearing that any US military move could trigger Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which obligates collective defense.
Analysts warn that an American attack on Greenland would shatter the alliance’s credibility. “An attack by the United States on a NATO ally would mean the end of both the military alliance and post-Second World War security,” Frederiksen warned.
Social media reactions to X are mixed. Some users argue Eastern European NATO members, which are focused on Russian threats, might not abandon the US over Greenland. Others note that Trump’s threats test the alliance’s unity.
Broader Implications
With Arctic routes and resources getting increasingly contested, Greenland’s future could reshape alliances. For now, Denmark is leaning on diplomacy and NATO commitments, but Frederiksen’s warning signals that the alliance’s internal stability is at risk.
As tensions simmer, the world watches to see whether rhetoric will translate into action or whether the cooler heads will prevail.
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