NATO and Greenland’s government have pledged to bolster the defence of the Danish autonomous territory, aiming to counter US President Donald Trump’s repeated suggestions of buying or annexing the island. Trump recently renewed his claims, stating the United States would acquire Greenland “one way or the other.”
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stressed that the island’s security “belongs in NATO,” adding that his government would work to ensure defence developments occur in close cooperation with the alliance, in dialogue with the United States and Denmark. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed the alliance is considering “next steps” to strengthen Arctic security, with some members suggesting a new mission, though no concrete plans have been announced.
Greenland, rich in untapped resources including rare-earth minerals, also hosts a US military base. On the streets of Nuuk, residents expressed concern over Trump’s repeated threats. Theology student Nuunu Binzer said: “We laughed at Trump at first… but now he is more aggressive.”
Denmark has warned that any US attack on Greenland would threaten NATO, and has invested heavily in Arctic security, allocating about $14 billion in 2025. Danish authorities are also preparing for diplomatic engagement, with a meeting between Greenlandic and Danish officials and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected this week.
Nielsen emphasized that Greenland would not accept a US takeover under any circumstances, reflecting strong public opposition. While the island continues to strengthen its ties with NATO and Denmark, debates over its future autonomy remain ongoing.
