Trump’s Pursuit of Greenland Raises NATO Fears, Draws Bipartisan Backlash

The White House confirmed Tuesday that President Donald Trump is exploring options, including potential military action, to take control of Greenland—a move that has escalated tensions with Denmark and sparked warnings of a collapse within the NATO alliance.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that acquiring the mineral-rich, self-governing Danish territory is a “national security priority” to counter rivals like Russia and China. While reports suggest Trump’s preferred method is a purchase, Leavitt emphasized that utilizing the U.S. military “is always an option.”

Denmark issued a sharp rebuke, declaring that any forced takeover would end the nation’s 80-year security partnership with the U.S. and dismantle NATO, whose mutual defense clause would oblige allies to respond. Greenland’s Prime Minister insisted the island is “not for sale,” and only its 57,000 residents should decide its future.

The controversy has triggered rare bipartisan criticism in Washington. Key Republicans joined Democrats in condemning the idea, with one GOP congressman calling it “really dumb” and a senator warning it would lead to “the demise of NATO.” The dispute comes just days after the U.S. military’s seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, heightening concerns over Trump’s expansionist tactics.