Trump's Greenland Ambitions Threaten NATO Collapse

Kubilius echoed the assessment of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who previously stated that a US takeover of the island—home to roughly 56,000 residents—would signal the end of NATO. Speaking at a security conference in Sweden, Kubilius emphasized that if the alliance fractures due to a US operation against a longtime ally, Europe would face an unprecedented challenge in maintaining its own defense without American participation.

Trump has repeatedly signaled his intent to acquire the territory, citing its strategic location for Arctic shipping and mineral wealth as key justifications. While the US currently maintains a military presence on the island, the president stated from Air Force One on Sunday that he remains unconcerned about the potential impact on international alliances. "If it affects NATO, it affects NATO," he remarked, adding that owning the territory is "psychologically important" to him.

Legal and political pushback is mounting. Greenland’s government reiterated its status as part of the Danish Commonwealth, insisting that any defense of the island must occur strictly under NATO auspices. Meanwhile, US Senator Chris Murphy warned that any attempt to annex the territory would force the US into a state of conflict with its European partners, including France and England. Beyond the NATO charter, Article 42.7 of the European Union Treaty also mandates that member states provide mutual assistance to Denmark should it face military aggression.