US Attack On Greenland: United States President Donald Trump has reignited global tensions by announcing his plans to get Denmark’s Greenland, a mineral-rich Arctic territory. This has raised alarms about a potential military move by the United States that could possibly shatter the unity of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
As Trump pushes an “America First” agenda in 2026, many in Europe are getting confused and worried.
US Vice President JD Vance remarked that Trump is “serious” in his pursuit to bring Greenland under laws of the United States.
The Greenland Obsession of Donald Trump-US Attack On Greenland
The fixation of Trump on Greenland possibly dates to his first term when he became conscious of the rare earth minerals of the region that are vital for technology and defence. Moreover, the strategic Arctic positioning of Greenland against China and Russia makes the region a priority for Trump.
Recently, the White House said it is exploring “possible options” to get Greenland. The Trump administration is presently considering the idea of paying between $10,000 and $100,000 per person to convince the residents of Greenland to secede from Denmark and join the United States. However, both Greenland and Denmark have refused any offer by Trump. In a January 2025 opinion poll, more than 85 percent of Greenlanders said they don’t want to get separated from Denmark to become a part of the United States.
Interestingly, the Danish defence ministry has ordered its military troops to “shoot first, ask questions later” in case any attempts are made by Trump’s troops to forcibly capture Greenland. The directive is an integral part of a 1952 Cold War-era rule that allows soldiers to take up the fight immediately against any foreign force. The rule allows soldiers to act without seeking or waiting for orders even if their commanders are not made aware of the state of war or declaration of war.
NATO: US Puppet or Fragile Alliance?
The 75-year-old history of NATO hinges primarily on the dominance of USA, with the country footing a significant majority of the bill for European defence. The rhetoric of Trump calling allies “delinquent” on spending have not gone well with many in power, including those in France and Denmark. If Trump makes any efforts to forcibly capture Greenland, Article 5 mutual defence wouldn’t apply internally, but Denmark could exit, fracturing the pact.
Trump’s Calculated Options
USA has hinted many times that it wants to buy and not invade Greenland. The United States may try muscle tactics such as increased tariffs on Danish goods or may cut aids to the country, echoing the Venezuela playbook of Donald Trump.
Many military experts are of the view that Trump may escalate Thule air base presence and invade Greenland via annexation pretext. This may put the entire Europe in a gridlock leading to massive nationwide protests across Europe.
Trump’s options test alliance resilience: Puppet or partner?
