President Donald Trump is reviewing options including military action to acquire Greenland from Denmark, citing Arctic security needs against China and Russia. Echoing his 2019 interest, his spokesperson confirmed the review on January 6, 2026, prompting sharp rebukes from European leaders defending Danish sovereignty and warning of NATO's potential collapse.
Renewing his 2019 proposal, US President Donald Trump on January 4, 2026, aboard Air Force One, criticized Denmark's Greenland defenses, joking: 'You know what the Danes have done recently to strengthen security in Greenland? They added a dog sled.' His spokesperson clarified on January 6 that Trump is studying 'several options' to gain control, including 'using the army,' as vital against adversaries in the Arctic.
Europe reacted swiftly. French President Emmanuel Macron deemed a US sovereignty violation unimaginable. A joint declaration from multiple European nations on January 6 backed Denmark. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned any attack on a NATO ally would end 'the post-World War II global security order.' Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen refuted claims of Chinese presence, noting 90 billion crowns (1.2 billion euros) invested in Arctic security. Former President François Hollande called it 'the end of the Atlantic Alliance.'
Other options include purchase or free association, per a US official. Greenland, Denmark's autonomous territory with 57,000 residents and key minerals, faces infrastructure limits. Local Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen urged calm on January 5, noting no readiness to fight the US and NATO paralysis risks.
Nuuk and Copenhagen seek talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address misunderstandings, as Trump pushes for a deal despite NATO objections.
