Trump Renews Push for U.S. to Take Over Greenland at NATO Summit, Threatens Troop Withdrawal from Europe

President Donald Trump used the NATO summit this week to dramatically escalate his push for the United States to acquire Greenland, telling allies that the Arctic territory should be under American control and warning that U.S. troops could be withdrawn from Europe if NATO members fail to meet their defense spending obligations.

The comments, delivered as Trump arrived at the summit, sent shockwaves through the alliance and intensified what has become one of the most unconventional foreign policy initiatives of his presidency.

"Greenland Should Be Controlled by the United States"

Speaking to reporters at the summit, Trump reiterated a position he has held since before taking office: that Greenland — an autonomous territory of Denmark — should come under U.S. control.

"Greenland should be controlled by the United States, not Denmark," Trump said, according to Reuters. The president has argued that controlling Greenland is a national security imperative, citing its strategic location in the Arctic, its mineral resources, and its proximity to Russia.

The push for Greenland has been a persistent feature of Trump's foreign policy. In January, he doubled down on the threat at the World Economic Forum in Davos, saying there was "no going back" on his determination to acquire the island. He later reversed course at Davos, pledging not to use force or tariffs to annex the territory — but closed-door negotiations have continued.

According to The New York Times, U.S. officials have been engaged in "closed-door talks" with Greenlandic officials, demanding "a major role" for the United States in the territory's governance. Greenlandic officials have reportedly expressed concern about the direction of the negotiations.

Threatening Troop Withdrawal

Beyond Greenland, Trump threatened to pull all American troops out of Europe if NATO allies do not increase their defense spending — a demand that has been a centerpiece of his foreign policy since his first term.

The threat comes amid growing tensions within NATO over burden-sharing. While most NATO members have increased defense spending since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Trump has demanded that allies spend at least 5% of their GDP on defense — far above the current 2% target.

"We're not going to subsidize Europe's defense forever," a senior administration official said. "If they want American protection, they need to pay for it. It's that simple."

The Strategic Case for Greenland

The strategic rationale for acquiring Greenland has been bolstered by the escalating conflict with Iran and growing concerns about Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic.

Greenland sits at a critical geographic chokepoint between North America and Europe. The island hosts the U.S. military's northernmost base — Pituffik Space Base — and controls access to increasingly important Arctic shipping lanes as climate change opens new maritime routes.

The territory is also rich in rare earth minerals, uranium, and other natural resources that are critical for defense manufacturing and technology supply chains — resources that the U.S. currently relies on China for.

Denmark and Greenland Push Back

Both Denmark and Greenland's government have firmly rejected the idea of selling the territory. Greenland's Prime Minister has stated repeatedly that "Greenland is not for sale" and that the territory's future will be decided by its people.

Greenland, with a population of approximately 57,000, has been moving toward greater autonomy from Denmark and has discussed eventual independence. Some Greenlandic officials have expressed openness to closer economic ties with the United States — but not to being acquired.

"Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland," the Danish Prime Minister said in response to Trump's latest remarks. "We are open to cooperation, but not to a change of sovereignty."

A New Front in America First

Trump's Greenland push represents a new front in his America First foreign policy — one that challenges decades of NATO alliance orthodoxy and traditional notions of territorial sovereignty. Whether the administration can achieve its goals through diplomacy, economic pressure, or more aggressive means remains to be seen.

What is clear is that the push for Greenland — once dismissed as a Trump whim — has become a serious and sustained foreign policy initiative that will shape U.S.-European relations for the foreseeable future.