Danish forces have arrived in Greenland as Copenhagen bolsters Arctic defenses while President Donald Trump keeps open the possibility of using force and escalating tariffs over U.S. control of the island.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Denmark has deployed additional troops and military assets to Greenland, reinforcing its presence in the Arctic as President Donald Trump declined to rule out using force to take control of the strategically important territory.
Several aircraft carrying Danish soldiers, including Denmark’s army chief, landed late Monday in Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq, adding to the more than 200 troops already stationed on the island, according to the Financial Times. The deployments are linked to the ongoing “Arctic Endurance” military exercises, which involve multiple NATO allies and are focused on Arctic defense and deterrence.
Trump has sharply escalated rhetoric in recent days, arguing that Greenland must come under U.S. control for American and NATO security interests. He has coupled those statements with threats of sweeping tariffs on the eight NATO countries participating in the Arctic exercises, framing the issue as a failure by Denmark under its system of home rule to adequately secure the island.
Germany and France have called for a firm and coordinated European response, while European Union officials have prepared potential retaliatory trade measures. At the same time, EU leaders have held back from triggering the bloc’s anti-coercion instrument, signaling a preference for a negotiated solution during high-level talks expected this week in Davos.
European officials have sought to defuse the crisis by offering an expanded NATO role in Arctic security, arguing that a strengthened alliance presence could address U.S. concerns without altering Greenland’s sovereignty.
Financial markets showed signs of strain as the dispute intensified. Investors sold U.S. assets, the dollar weakened, and gold prices climbed to record highs amid uncertainty over trade and geopolitical stability.
Danish officials said Copenhagen remains open to discussions about expanding the U.S. military footprint on Greenland but has rejected the idea of selling the territory. Trump, however, has continued to leave the option of force on the table.
“No comment,” Trump told NBC News when asked during a brief phone interview Monday whether he would consider taking Greenland by force.
“Europe ought to focus on the war with Russia and Ukraine because, frankly, you see what that’s gotten them,” Trump said. “That’s what Europe should focus on — not Greenland.”
Trump said Saturday that he plans to impose 10 percent tariffs on NATO allies Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Finland starting Feb. 1, with rates increasing to 25 percent by June 1, citing their opposition to U.S. control of Greenland.
In a Truth Social post on Sunday night, Trump said “it is time” for decisive action.
“NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that ‘you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland,’” Trump wrote. “Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!! President Donald J. Trump.”
The troop movements underscore rising tensions in the Arctic as Greenland becomes a focal point of global security, trade, and alliance politics, with both military and economic stakes escalating rapidly.