Trump administration clarifies US stance on NATO membership
Photo: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (Getty Images)
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated in his interview with NBC News that the United States will remain a member of NATO.
When asked whether Greenland or NATO is more important to US national security, Bessent called it a "false choice."
Later, he confirmed that "of course, we (the United States – ed.) are going to remain a part of NATO."
Greenland is part of Denmark, a NATO ally. But, according to NBC, some Democrats have warned that any US action against Greenland would destroy the NATO alliance.
Bessent was also asked how a US annexation of Greenland would be different from Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
"I believe that the Europeans will understand that this is best for Greenland, best for Europe and best for the United States," he responded.
US exit from NATO and possible control over Greenland
In December 2025, Republican Congressman Thomas Massie introduced a bill proposing that the US leave NATO.
"NATO is a Cold War relic. The United States should withdraw from NATO and use that money to defend our country, not socialist countries. Today, I introduced HR 6508 to end our NATO membership," the congressman says.
In his bill, Massie stated that NATO was created to counter the Soviet Union, which collapsed more than 30 years ago.
Politico reports NATO currently has no contingency plan if the US decides to leave the alliance.
The NATO debate has recently focused on Greenland, as President Donald Trump has expressed interest in acquiring the Danish territory. Washington has not ruled out using military force if a purchase cannot be agreed upon.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned that a US invasion of Greenland would be a huge win for Russian President Vladimir Putin, as it would give him justification for the war in Ukraine.
"If we focus on Greenland, I have to say that a US invasion of this territory would make Vladimir Putin the happiest man in the world. Why? Because it would legitimize his attempt to invade Ukraine. If the United States uses force, it would be a death sentence for NATO. Putin would be doubly pleased," he said.
Earlier, on January 17, Trump announced tariffs on eight European countries until the US is allowed to buy Greenland back.
According to his post, a 10% tariff will apply to goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and the UK starting February 1, 2026. From June 1, the tariffs would rise to 25%.
