‘Everything Stops, Including NATO’: Denmark Issues Stern Warning to Trump Over Greenland Remarks

Denmark has issued one of its strongest diplomatic warnings in recent years after former US President Donald Trump renewed controversial remarks suggesting that the United States could seek control over Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said any such move would have grave consequences for NATO and the global security order that has existed since the end of the Second World War.

Speaking in a televised interview, Frederiksen stressed that Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, is protected under NATO’s collective defence framework. She warned that an aggressive attempt by one NATO member against another would fundamentally undermine the alliance itself. “If the United States were to attack another NATO country, then everything stops — including NATO,” the Danish Prime Minister said. “That would mean the end of the security framework that has protected us for decades.”

Her remarks came in response to Trump’s recent comments reiterating his long-held view that Greenland is vital for American national security. Trump told reporters that the island was strategically important and suggested Denmark was incapable of managing it effectively. “We need Greenland from a national security point of view,” Trump said, reviving a debate that first surfaced during his earlier presidency.

Frederiksen said such statements must be taken seriously and cannot be dismissed as political rhetoric. “I think we should listen carefully when the American president speaks about wanting Greenland,” she said. “But we will never accept threats directed at Greenland or Denmark.” She added that Greenland’s future could only be decided by its people, in accordance with international law.

The Danish leader underlined that NATO is built on trust and mutual respect, warning that unilateral actions would shatter that foundation. “An attack on one ally is an attack on all,” she said, referring to NATO’s Article 5. “If that principle is violated, the alliance loses its meaning.”

Greenland’s leadership has also firmly rejected any suggestion of a takeover. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a blunt response, saying, “That’s enough now. Greenland is not for sale, and our future will be decided by Greenlanders.” He called for respect for sovereignty and democratic norms, echoing Copenhagen’s stance.

The comments have drawn attention across Europe, with several leaders privately expressing concern over the implications of Trump’s remarks. Analysts say the episode highlights growing unease within NATO about internal cohesion, particularly when strategic interests clash with alliance principles.

While Washington has not announced any formal policy regarding Greenland, the sharp reaction from Denmark reflects the seriousness with which the issue is being viewed. Observers note that Greenland’s strategic location in the Arctic, combined with rising geopolitical competition in the region, has increased its global significance. Frederiksen concluded by reiterating Denmark’s commitment to NATO while making clear that sovereignty is non-negotiable. “We stand by our allies,” she said, “but alliance loyalty can never come at the cost of democracy, international law, or the right of people to decide their own future.”