NATO quietly working to defuse Trump–Greenland dispute, secretary general says
Photo: Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General (Getty Images)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the Alliance is currently working behind the scenes to resolve a dispute with US President Donald Trump over Greenland, according to Sky News.
Rutte said he was addressing the issue privately rather than in public and assured that work was underway behind the scenes.
He also said he shared President Trump’s concerns about security in the Arctic, adding that NATO needs to step up its efforts to protect the region from Russian and Chinese influence.
According to Rutte, the Alliance is working collectively to strengthen the defense of the Arctic region.
The US and Greenland
Recently, US President Donald Trump stated that control over Greenland is an “absolute necessity” for US national security.
At the beginning of 2026, the American leader said the island is allegedly surrounded by Russian and Chinese fleets, and that Denmark, in his view, is unable to provide adequate protection.
Trump also commented on Greenland’s defenses, saying they are limited to “two dog sleds” attempting to counter Russian and Chinese destroyers and submarines.
There have also been reports that the United States could pay up to $700 billion to purchase Greenland. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly been tasked with preparing the proposal.
On Saturday, January 17, Trump announced that starting February 1, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would face a 10% tariff on all goods supplied to the US, with the rate rising to 25% from June 1.
On Monday, January 19, the European Council announced it would convene an emergency meeting on transatlantic relations following Trump’s statements on Greenland.
In addition, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on January 20 that a military conflict between Greenland and the United States is unlikely, though it cannot be completely ruled out.
