Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that any attempt by the United States to seize Greenland by force would effectively mean the end of NATO, following growing global concern after Washington’s military operation in Venezuela and the abduction of its leader.
Frederiksen made the remarks on Monday in response to renewed calls by U.S. President Donald Trump for the Arctic island to come under direct American control.
Trump told reporters on Sunday that he would “talk about Greenland within 20 days,” reiterating his long-standing claim that the territory should fall under U.S. jurisdiction. His latest threat came just one day after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, an operation that has sent shockwaves through international alliances.
“Everything Stops — Including NATO”
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark and therefore part of the NATO alliance. According to Frederiksen, a military attack on any NATO member would fundamentally undermine the alliance itself.
“If the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops. That includes our NATO alliance and the security framework that has existed since the end of World War II,” Frederiksen said.
Trump has not ruled out the use of military force to take control of Greenland. Last month, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, a vocal supporter of annexation, was appointed special envoy to Greenland, further escalating tensions.
Provocations and Diplomatic Fallout
The controversy intensified after Katie Miller, wife of Trump’s deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, posted a controversial image on X showing Greenland painted in U.S. flag colors, accompanied by a single word: “SOON.”
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen condemned the post as “disrespectful.”
“Relations between nations and peoples are built on mutual respect and international law, not symbolic gestures that disregard our status and rights,” Nielsen said.
“Our country is not for sale, and our future is not decided by social media posts.”
Why Greenland Matters
Greenland’s strategic location between Europe and North America makes it crucial to the U.S. ballistic missile defense system, while its vast mineral resources have drawn Washington’s attention as it seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese exports.
Trump defended his position by claiming foreign encroachment in the region:
“Greenland is surrounded by Russian and Chinese ships everywhere. We need Greenland for national security, and Denmark will not be able to handle this,” Trump said on Sunday.
The escalating rhetoric has raised serious concerns among NATO allies, who fear that U.S. unilateral military action could shatter the alliance’s foundations and destabilize global security.
