Denmark vs. Donald Trump: Prime Minister Vows to Defend Every Inch of NATO Territory, Including Greenland

U.S. President Donald Trump has again asserted his claim over Greenland, stating the world's largest island should be controlled by the United States, not Denmark. Trump made these remarks Tuesday at the NATO summit in Ankara during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. While he did not threaten specific actions, his persistent focus on acquiring the strategically important Arctic island has reportedly shocked NATO partners.

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It remains that the world's largest island should be controlled by the United States and not by Denmark.

Earlier in the week, a senior U.S. official indicated that acquiring Greenland was seen as the only way to address long-term security risks in the region. "We still believe this is the best way to meet NATO's defense needs regarding Greenland," the official told reporters, adding that other options were being considered but not detailed. The official cited "active naval activities" around Greenland and Trump's desire for a "permanent" solution as reasons for pursuing the acquisition.

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We are still of the opinion that this is the best way to meet NATO's defense needs regarding Greenland.

Trump's open claims of possession have raised concerns about the unity of the NATO alliance. He had previously threatened to acquire the island, citing concerns about Russia and China's influence in the region, and arguing that its security was vital to the United States. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded Wednesday, declaring that Denmark would defend every inch of NATO territory, explicitly including Greenland.

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We still believe this is the best way to meet NATO's defense needs regarding Greenland.