In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that NATO had repeatedly warned Denmark about Greenland’s strategic vulnerability, but alleged that Copenhagen had done little in response.
U.S. President Donald J. Trump has reignited tensions within the transatlantic alliance after declaring that decisive action must be taken over Greenland, accusing Denmark of failing for decades to address what he described as Russian security threats in the Arctic territory.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that NATO had repeatedly warned Denmark about Greenland’s strategic vulnerability, but alleged that Copenhagen had done little in response.
“NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that ‘you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland.’ Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!” Trump wrote.
Meanwhile, Trump’s recent push to take over Greenland has attracted a strong reaction from key European NATO members, who issued a joint declaration reaffirming their support for Denmark and Greenland, while cautioning against rhetoric and actions that could destabilise relations within the alliance.
In the joint statement dated January 18, 2026, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom said they were “committed to strengthening Arctic security as a shared transatlantic interest.”
The countries said the “pre-coordinated Danish exercise ‘Arctic Endurance’ conducted with Allies, responds to this necessity,” stressing that it “poses no threat to anyone.”
They added: “We stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland.”
The European allies also emphasised that any engagement on Arctic security must respect international norms, stating that they were “ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we stand firmly behind.”
In what appeared to be a direct rebuke of Trump’s recent posture, the statement warned that economic pressure could further strain already fragile relations.
“Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to upholding our sovereignty,” the statement said.
Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has long been at the centre of geopolitical competition due to its strategic location and vast natural resources.
Trump’s renewed comments are likely to heighten diplomatic tensions, particularly as NATO countries attempt to balance collective security concerns in the Arctic with respect for national sovereignty.