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US Push for Greenland Control and NATO Tensions
Since his 2024 reelection, US President Trump has repeatedly demanded control of Greenland, threatening force and prompting Danish and Greenlandic officials to warn it would end NATO. Recent statements escalate fears after US actions in Venezuela.
Why It Matters
The dispute threatens NATO unity as Denmark vows to invoke Article 5 against a US invasion, risking alliance fracture and altering Arctic security amid competition with Russia and China.
Timeline
8 Events
Denmark Confirms Defense Order and NATO Article 5
January 2026
Danish Ministry of Defence confirms troops will respond with force to invasion; Defence Committee chair Rasmus Jarlov says Denmark would invoke NATO Article 5 if attacked by US.[1]
Greenland Government Rejects US Demands
January 12, 2026
Greenland government states it cannot accept US demands to become part of the US, affirms it is part of Denmark, and welcomes increased NATO activity by six members including UK, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Spain.[1]
US Senator Introduces Resolution Against Invasion
January 7, 2026
Senator Ruben Gallego introduces Senate resolution to block Trump from invading Greenland.[1]
Danish PM Warns US Takeover Ends NATO
January 5, 2026
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen states a US takeover of Greenland would end NATO, as it would mean attacking a NATO ally; Greenland leader Jens Frederik Nielsen rejects comparison to Venezuela.[2][3]
Trump Renews Greenland Demands with 20-Day Timeline
January 4, 2026
Trump tells reporters to 'talk about Greenland in 20 days' after Venezuela operation, refuses to rule out military force, and slams Denmark's security.[2][3]
US Military Operation in Venezuela
January 2026
US forces capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas, stunning the world and heightening Danish fears of similar action in Greenland.[2][3]
Trump Appoints Special Envoy to Greenland
December 2025
Trump appoints a US special envoy to Greenland, signaling continued interest and drawing criticism from Danish and Greenlandic officials.[4]
Trump Reelected and Begins Greenland Push
November 2024
Trump wins reelection and starts threatening invasion of Greenland, promoting false claims, refusing to rule out military force, and outlining plans including charm offensive from December 2024.[1]