US President Donald Trump’s escalating rhetoric over Greenland has triggered a direct warning from Denmark that NATO would collapse if he follows through with any military action, according to Politico. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that any US military attack on Greenland would bring NATO and postwar security to an end..
Denmark says NATO would collapse over Greenland invasion
Politico reported that Frederiksen, speaking to broadcaster TV2, said Trump must be taken “seriously when he says that he wants Greenland.” She emphasized that while Greenland is largely self-governing, it is part of Denmark and thus covered by NATO’s collective defense obligations.
“But I will also make it clear that if the US chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops, including NATO and thus the security that has been established since the end of the Second World War,” Frederiksen warned.
Trump refuses to rule out military or economic pressure
Trump, who has long pushed for Greenland to join the US, called the territory a strategic necessity. He told reporters aboard Air Force One on 4 January:
“We need Greenland from a national security situation.” He added, “We will deal with Greenland in about two months. Let’s talk about Greenland in 20 days,” without offering further details.
The island, rich in natural resources and strategically located in the Arctic, has repeatedly drawn Trump’s interest. He has not ruled out using economic coercion or military means to achieve that goal.
The growing concern is that Trump, emboldened by the Venezuela operation, may treat the Arctic in similar fashion.
