Trump Demands Control of Greenland, Europe Plans Strong Response
January 19, 2026
US President Donald Trump has declared his intent to take control of Greenland, stirring alarm across Europe. In a bold social media post, Trump said, “Nato has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland. Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added, “Europeans project weakness, US projects strength.” He linked US security guarantees with Greenland’s future, warning that without US support, countries like Ukraine could collapse.
Europeans swiftly began coordinating their response ahead of a critical EU summit on Thursday. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called a special emergency press conference, emphasizing pragmatism and partnership. While critical of the US tariff threats, Starmer said, “tariffs are not in anybody’s interest” and stressed a balanced approach. He said any decision on Greenland must belong “to the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone.”
Starmer condemned tariffs between allies and said, “A trade war is in no one’s interest.” He also acknowledged Trump’s role in pushing for a ceasefire in Ukraine and highlighted the importance of the US-UK relationship despite recent tensions.
Meanwhile, Trump sent a fiery letter to Norway’s PM Jonas Gahr Støre, saying, “considering your country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace.” Trump also challenged Denmark’s claim over Greenland, calling for “Complete and Total Control of Greenland” by the US.
In reaction, Greenland’s dogsled federation withdrew an invitation to the US special envoy for its annual race, showing local resistance to US moves.
Other European leaders joined the pushback. Germany’s Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil warned, “we will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed,” while France’s Roland Lescure promised urgent talks with G7 partners, affirming support for Greenland and Denmark.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, a close European ally of Trump, confirmed ongoing discussions with the US president but remained cautious about the developments.
The situation remains fluid as Europe reacts to US demands on Greenland, balancing security concerns with diplomatic negotiations.
Read More at Theguardian →
Tags:
Donald trump
Greenland
Nato
Keir starmer
Us-Europe Relations
Tariffs
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