President Donald Trump has criticized NATO allies in a brief statement as he intensifies talks of potentially taking over Greenland.
Once again, the outspoken US leader threatened to acquire the Danish territory, indicating a willingness to jeopardize the defensive partnership if necessary. During an exchange with journalists on Air Force One, Trump addressed concerns about the impact of a Greenland invasion on US-NATO relations.
“If it has implications for NATO, then so be it,” Trump remarked before launching a pointed critique at the organization, stating, “They rely on us more than we rely on them.”
The Trump administration has pledged to secure Greenland either through a purchase or by force, despite significant opposition from the majority of Greenlanders who prefer independence or remaining under Danish sovereignty. A survey conducted in January 2025 by Verian indicated that only six percent of Greenland’s population favored joining the US, with 85 percent supporting independence or Danish affiliation.
Nevertheless, Trump asserted, “Greenland should agree to the deal because they don’t want Russia or China to gain control.” He also made a false assertion about Denmark’s defense capabilities, claiming they only had “two dogsleds.”
Expressing confidence in the US eventually acquiring Greenland, the President stated, “If we don’t secure Greenland, Russia or China will. And I won’t allow that to happen…We will have Greenland one way or another.”
Trump then raised doubts about the value of NATO and questioned whether member nations would provide support in the event of a US attack. He pondered, “While I support NATO, I wonder if they would stand by us if necessary. I have doubts.”
Trump seemed unaware of previous instances where NATO allies, including the UK and Denmark, promptly aided the US after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. The invocation of Article 5, which mandates mutual defense in times of aggression, led to allied support for US military actions in Afghanistan.
Denmark, having suffered significant casualties in Afghanistan, faced one of the highest per capita losses within the alliance until 2009. Trump’s remarks have reverberated across Europe and the US, fueling concerns that the White House may shift its stance towards long-standing allies.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to engage in discussions with Danish officials regarding Greenland. European leaders, including those in the UK, have emphasized that the future of Greenland rests with its people and the Danish government.