Mette Frederiksen warned that a U.S. military seizure of Greenland would jeopardize NATO solidarity and the post–World War II security framework. President Trump has publicly argued Greenland is strategically vital, citing increased Russian and Chinese activity. White House advisor Stephen Miller echoed the claim that Greenland "should be part of the United States," and a social post by Katie Miller overlaid the island with a U.S. flag and the caption "SOON." Danish military officials say neither Russia nor China currently poses a direct military threat and stress that Greenland's harsh geography makes it difficult to conquer.
Trump’s Greenland Claim Raises NATO Stakes and Tests Danish Resolve
A view of Nuuk, Greenland, seen on August 13, 2025. - Lasse Kyed for The Washington Post/Getty Images
As tensions over Greenland resurface, Denmark’s prime minister issued a stark warning to the White House: any U.S. military attempt to seize the Arctic territory could fracture NATO and undermine the post–World War II security order.
A Public Warning From Copenhagen
In nationally televised remarks, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland — an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark — has made clear it does not want to become part of the United States. She urged Washington to take seriously President Donald Trump’s repeated comments about his interest in Greenland and warned of the consequences if the U.S. were to attack a NATO ally.
"If the US chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, everything stops, including NATO and thus the security that has been provided since the end of World War II," Frederiksen said.
U.S. Officials Double Down
President Trump has argued Greenland is strategically vital, telling reporters that the island is "covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place" and insisting the U.S. needs Greenland for national security reasons. White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller echoed the view that "Greenland should be part of the United States," while rejecting the idea that military force would be necessary.
Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen in Brussels, Belgium, on December 19. - Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto/Getty Images
Political rhetoric intensified after a social post by Katie Miller — a Trump aide and Stephen Miller's wife — which showed a map of Greenland overlaid with a U.S. flag and the single word: "SOON."
Why Greenland Matters
Greenland’s strategic location in the Arctic has drawn renewed attention as Russia and China increase activity in northern waters and infrastructure projects. Danish authorities have staged military exercises and patrols intended both to deter potential adversaries and to signal Copenhagen’s resolve to defend the territory.
At the same time, senior Danish military officers told reporters they do not currently view Russia or China as posing a direct military threat to Greenland. Major General Søren Andersen, head of Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command, said: "I don’t think we have a threat to Greenland right now." Officials also emphasize that Greenland’s harsh weather, rugged terrain and sparse infrastructure — across an island roughly the size of six Germanys or comparable to Alaska plus California — make large-scale conquest difficult.
President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn after landing at the White House on January 4, in Washington, DC. - Alex Wong/Getty Images
Stakes for NATO
Allies are alarmed that U.S. pressure over Greenland could not only alienate Denmark but also strain the cohesion of the Western military alliance. Frederiksen’s public warning underscores how a bilateral dispute over territory can have broader implications for collective defense commitments.
For now, Copenhagen’s military displays appear aimed at demonstrating seriousness in defending Greenland and reassuring allies. But with the issue still unresolved, the island’s future — and NATO unity — remains uncertain.
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