What's happened
In January 2026, former President Trump sent a letter to Norway's Prime Minister linking his failed Nobel Peace Prize bid to his pursuit of Greenland. He claimed Denmark cannot protect Greenland from Russia or China and threatened tariffs on European allies opposing U.S. control. European leaders condemned the threats, affirming Greenland's sovereignty under Denmark.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Ambitions Cloaked in Personal Grievance
Trump's letter to Norway's Prime Minister reveals a fusion of personal frustration over the Nobel Peace Prize with geopolitical ambitions. His assertion that "The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland" underscores a strategic priority to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. However, framing this pursuit as a response to a perceived personal slight undermines diplomatic norms and strains alliances.
Diplomatic Fallout and NATO Strain
The imposition of tariffs on key European allies—Denmark, Norway, the UK, and others—over Greenland's status risks a damaging trade conflict within NATO. European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have condemned these threats, emphasizing dialogue and sovereignty. This discord exposes fractures in the American-led alliance and challenges the cohesion of transatlantic security cooperation.
Historical Context and Legal Ambiguities
Trump's questioning of Denmark's "right of ownership" over Greenland, citing the absence of written documents, disregards established international law and Greenland's autonomous status within the Kingdom of Denmark. This rhetoric fuels uncertainty and could embolden geopolitical rivals.
Forecast and Consequences
The U.S. pursuit of Greenland will likely continue to provoke diplomatic resistance and economic retaliation from European allies. The risk of a tariff war threatens to escalate tensions beyond the Arctic issue, potentially weakening NATO's collective security framework. The episode highlights the dangers when personal political grievances intersect with national security policy, undermining trust and alliance stability.
Impact on Readers
While the direct impact on most readers is limited, the story signals potential shifts in global alliances and trade relations that could affect economic stability and international security in the medium term.
What the papers say
The New York Times highlights the rupture in the American-led alliance, noting Trump's "deranged and delusional" message linking Greenland to his Nobel Peace Prize disappointment. The Independent's Josh Marcus provides a more measured view, quoting Treasury Secretary Bessent who frames Greenland's strategic importance as longstanding and unrelated to the Nobel issue, emphasizing defense against China and Russia. Al Jazeera details the European response, including emergency EU meetings and solidarity statements affirming Greenland's sovereignty, while also reporting on Trump's tariff threats and the diplomatic backlash. The Japan Times and The Times of Israel focus on Trump's letter's content, emphasizing his challenge to Denmark's sovereignty and his claim of having stopped eight wars, which analysts dispute. The Mirror and Reuters report on the political fallout in Europe, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's rejection of tariff threats and calls for calm dialogue. These sources collectively illustrate a complex narrative: Trump's personal grievances fueling aggressive geopolitical moves, met with firm European resistance and concerns over alliance cohesion.
How we got here
The U.S. has long shown strategic interest in Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory vital for Arctic defense. Trump revived this pursuit in 2026, tying it to his disputed Nobel Peace Prize claim and escalating tensions with NATO allies through tariff threats and aggressive rhetoric.
Go deeper
- Why is Greenland strategically important to the U.S. and NATO?
- How have European countries responded to Trump's tariff threats?
- What are the legal and historical claims over Greenland's sovereignty?
Common question
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Why Does Trump Want Control of Greenland?
Former President Donald Trump has recently made headlines with his calls for the U.S. to take control of Greenland. This move has sparked widespread curiosity and concern about the motives behind such a bold proposal. Many wonder what strategic, economic, or geopolitical reasons are driving this interest. In this page, we explore the background of Trump's Greenland ambitions, the implications for international relations, and what this means for global security. Below, you'll find answers to common questions about this controversial topic.
More on these topics
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Jonas Gahr Støre (Norwegian: [ˈjùːnɑs gɑː‿ˈʂtø̂ːrə]; born 25 August 1960) is a Norwegian politician who has served as the prime minister of Norway since 2021. He has been leader of the Labour Party since 2014. He served under prime minister
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Greenland is the world's largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
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The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the five Nobel Prizes established by the will of Swedish industrialist, inventor, and armaments manufacturer Alfred Nobel, along with the prizes in Chemistry, Physics, Physiology or Medicine, and Literature.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.