Donald Trump pushes Denmark over Greenland sovereignty at NATO summit

U.S. President Donald Trump warned Denmark that the United States could pull its troops from Europe unless Denmark ceded control of Greenland, a strategically vital Arctic territory. The remarks heightened tension in Copenhagen and Nuuk, where officials stressed the island’s autonomy and its importance for maritime routes, natural resources, and security.

During the NATO summit in Turkey, allies reaffirmed the collective defence commitment under Article 5 and approved a series of defence spending deals, including a $50 billion armament package and a €27 billion fuel‑storage network extension. Britain will lead a 12‑nation initiative to develop long‑range missiles, while Ukraine received a promise of a licence to produce Patriot interceptors. The summit aimed to reassure European partners that the United States remains committed to NATO despite Trump’s aggressive rhetoric.

The episode underscores the geopolitical competition in the Arctic, where Greenland’s location and mineral prospects attract interest from major powers, and highlights the delicate balance within the trans‑atlantic alliance.