Danish Pension Fund Dumps $100M in U.S. Treasuries Citing Weak U.S. Finances Amid Trump Greenland Tariff Threats
AkademikerPension, a Danish pension fund for academics, said it will sell its roughly $100 million U.S. Treasury portfolio by the end of the month, citing "poor U.S. government finances" and will instead hold U.S. dollars and shortâduration debt; the fund said President Trumpâs Greenland dispute âdidnât make it more difficultâ to take the decision. The sale comes amid an escalating U.S.âEuropean row over Mr. Trumpâs renewed push to acquire Greenlandâby purchase, coercion, or even military meansâand his threatened tariffs on several allies, which has provoked Nordic and EU condemnation, large protests, diplomatic talks and legislative moves in Washington, even as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent downplayed the idea of a broader Treasury selloff.
đ Key Facts
- President Trump has renewed an active push to acquire Greenland â linking the drive to nationalâsecurity claims after a U.S. raid that captured NicolĂĄs Maduro â and the White House has discussed a range of options (outright purchase, a compact of free association, or even using the U.S. military); senior officials including White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance have publicly weighed in.
- Administration planning discussed concrete nonâmilitary and inducement ideas (including proposals to pay Greenland residents sums reportedly ranging from $10,000 to $100,000), named a special envoy (Jeff Landry), and repeatedly invoked alleged Chinese and Russian activity around Greenland as a justification, even as some officials said diplomacy and purchase are preferred.
- Denmark, Greenland and a broad coalition of European and Nordic leaders strongly rejected U.S. annexation talk â issuing joint statements that 'Greenland belongs to its people,' with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warning a U.S. military seizure would 'mark the end of NATO' â while mass protests took place in Copenhagen and Nuuk opposing any U.S. takeover.
- President Trump has threatened economic coercion tied to Greenland: he announced plans to impose a 10% tariff on Feb. 1 (rising to 25% on June 1) on goods from eight European countries (Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the U.K.) 'until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland,' prompting EU leaders to call the move 'blackmail' and to prepare possible retaliatory measures including use of the EU antiâcoercion 'trade bazooka.'
- U.S. lawmakers and the Hill reacted with bipartisan pushback and competing legislation: Democrats and some Republicans introduced bills to bar funding for any military or coercive takeover of a NATO ally, while some GOP members introduced measures to authorize or expedite acquisition; bipartisan congressional delegations traveled to Copenhagen to reassure Denmark and Greenland and to damp tensions.
- Diplomatic engagement intensified: Denmark and Greenland requested meetings with Secretary of State Rubio, Danish and Greenlandic envoys met with U.S. National Security Council and lawmakers, Rubio scheduled talks with Danish officials in Washington, and U.S., Danish and Greenlandic ministers held faceâtoâface meetings that produced a highâlevel working group to address security concerns.
- Greenlandic leaders and all major Greenlandic parties have firmly rejected becoming part of the United States, insisting Greenlandâs future must be decided by its people under international law â Prime Minister JensâFrederik Nielsen called Greenland 'not an object of superpower rhetoric,' and polling cited in coverage showed strong public opposition to a U.S. takeover.
- There was an immediate financial reaction: AkademikerPension, a Danish pension fund, announced it will sell its roughly $100 million U.S. Treasury holdings citing 'poor U.S. government finances' and policy uncertainty (the fund said it will hold dollars and shortâduration debt instead), while U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at Davos dismissed the idea of a broad European selloff of Treasuries as a 'completely false narrative.'
đ Analysis & Commentary (6)
Should Trump Conquer Greenland?
"A provocative opinion piece that uses Trumpâs renewed talk of taking Greenland as a springboard to weigh its strategic value against the legal, diplomatic and moral costs â broadly sympathetic to reassessing U.S. Arctic posture while acknowledging takeover is unrealistic."
Greedy Eyes On Greenland
"A critical opinion piece condemning U.S. talk of buying or seizing Greenland as greedy, imperialist and diplomatically reckless, warning it will damage alliances, empower rivals, and ignore Greenlandic sovereignty while offering no viable strategic justification."
Trump knows good real estate â and he knows Greenland's value to national security
"A proâTrump opinion piece argues the U.S. should press to acquire or assert stronger control over Greenlandâframing the move as a necessary, practical response to Russian and Chinese Arctic threats and as defensible economically and militarilyâdirectly commenting on recent reporting and legislation about Trumpâs Greenland push and proposed congressional limits on unilateral military action."
Donât Back Down, Europe
"An opinion urging European leaders not to be cowed by Trumpâs Greenland tariffs and takeover rhetoric â recommending coordinated economic and diplomatic pushback (including using the EU âtrade bazookaâ and pausing trade talks) to deter U.S. coercion and defend allies and the rulesâbased order."
Trump unleashes on Europe
"A critical take on President Trumpâs hardline, tariffâbacked posture toward European allies (especially over Greenland) â arguing his Davos trip and threats risk harming NATO cohesion and longâterm U.S. interests while serving shortâterm political aims."
What happens if the world pulls its money out of America?
"An opinion/deepâdive tying the Danish pension fundâs U.S.âTreasury sale to broader risks of foreign capital reallocation, arguing Trump administration trade and geopolitical moves raise credibleâbut not inevitableârisks of higher borrowing costs and financial stress unless policymakers quickly restore confidence."
đŹ Explanations (2)
Deeper context and explanatory frameworks for understanding this story
Phenomenon: Expansion of presidential authority to initiate military actions without congressional approval
Explanation: Post-World War II buildup of the national security state, including the creation of the National Security Council and CIA, enabled presidents to conduct secret operations and unilateral actions in response to Cold War threats, leading to incremental erosions of congressional war powers
Evidence: Historical analysis shows that the National Security Act of 1947 centralized power in the executive branch, allowing presidents to bypass Congress for military engagements, as seen in Korea and Vietnam, with the War Powers Resolution of 1973 failing to fully restore balance due to executive circumvention
Alternative view: Partisan dynamics where Congress defers to presidents of the same party; institutional reluctance of Congress to assert authority due to political risks
đĄ This explanation complicates the narrative by shifting focus from individual presidential decisions to long-term structural changes in the US government, highlighting systemic imbalances rather than just current administration overreach
Phenomenon: Rise of isolationist opposition to overseas military interventions within the Republican Party
Explanation: Shift driven by war fatigue from prolonged conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, coupled with populist anti-globalism emphasizing domestic priorities over foreign engagements
Evidence: Polling data from 2023-2024 indicates a significant increase in Republicans favoring reduced US involvement abroad, rising from 30% to over 50%, correlated with dissatisfaction from post-9/11 wars and economic nationalism
Alternative view: Influence of key figures like Trump promoting 'America First' policies; historical reversion to pre-WWII isolationist traditions in the GOP
đĄ It challenges the implicit narrative of unified GOP support for aggressive foreign policy by revealing internal divisions and ideological shifts towards restraint, contrasting with portrayals of partisan loyalty
đ° Source Timeline (71)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
January 20, 2026
9:42 PM
Danish pension fund says it's selling all its U.S. Treasuries
New information:
- AkademikerPension, a Danish pension fund for academics, will sell its entire roughly $100 million U.S. Treasury portfolio by the end of the month.
- CIO Anders Schelde says the move is rooted in 'poor U.S. government finances' and a need to find alternative liquidity and riskâmanagement tools.
- The fund plans to hold U.S. dollars and shortâduration debt instead of Treasuries, and notes that Trumpâs Greenland dispute with Europe 'didnât make it more difficult' to take the decision.
- Article recalls Moodyâs May downgrade of the U.S. sovereign rating from Aaa to Aa1, tying the fundâs move to rising debt and policy uncertainty around Trumpâs trade policy.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking at Davos, publicly dismissed the idea that European investors will dump U.S. Treasuries as a 'completely false narrative' that 'defies any logic.'
9:12 PM
Trump says 'youâll see' when asked how far heâll go on Greenland takeover
New information:
- At the White House, when asked how far he would go to get Greenland, President Trump replied, 'youâll see,' refusing to rule out extreme measures.
- Trump publicly dismissed concerns that Greenlanders oppose joining the U.S. and that seizing the island could undermine NATO.
- Fox places the quote explicitly in the runâup to Davos, underscoring that Greenland is expected to dominate Trumpâs sidebar meetings there.
8:01 PM
The great Davos divorce: America's allies draw red line with Trump
New information:
- Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said of Trumpâs Greenland-related tariff threats: "Being a happy vassal is one thing. Being a miserable slave is something else," warning that backing down would mean losing European dignity.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen publicly compared Trumpâs behavior toward allies to the 1971 'Nixon shock' and called for 'permanent' European independence from the U.S., not just waiting out Trump.
- French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Trumpâs 'endless accumulation of new tariffs' and said using them as leverage over 'territorial sovereignty' is 'fundamentally unacceptable,' urging the EU to consider its antiâcoercion instrument even against the U.S.
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared that the world is in a 'rupture, not a transition,' said the U.S.-led 'rules-based order' bargain 'no longer works' because great powers now weaponize economic integration, and implicitly targeted Trumpâs recent actions while avoiding naming him.
- EU officials are weighing a âŹ93 billion (~$109 billion) retaliatory tariff package and potential use of the antiâcoercion instrument against the U.S., something Macron said he 'regrets' but views as a consequence of Trumpâs 'unpredictability and useless aggressivity.'
- Hungary is the only European country so far to join Trumpâs new 'Board of Peace'; other early backers include Albania, Belarus, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE and Morocco, highlighting how limited European buyâin is.
7:41 PM
Trump explains why he posted Macron, Rutte private text messages on social media
New information:
- Trump told the New York Post he published private text messages from Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Truth Social 'because they made my point,' saying they show the leaders warmly courting him for meetings and praise.
- The screenshots Trump posted reportedly show Macron offering to host a postâDavos G7 dinner in Paris and Rutte saying he was 'committed to finding a way forward on Greenland,' even as Macron wrote that he did not understand Trumpâs Greenland approach.
- Trump dismissed Macronâs reported reluctance to join the planned Gaza 'Board of Peace' by saying 'nobody wants him because he's going to be out of office very soon,' and threatened to impose a 200% tariff on French wines and champagnes if France appears 'hostile,' adding that such a move would force Macron to join the Board.
- A White House official told Fox News that, despite Macronâs invitation, Trump has no plans to travel to Paris at this time.
6:31 PM
Ahead of Davos, Trump displays one-track mind on Greenland
New information:
- Trumpâs latest socialâmedia barrage includes images depicting Greenland as a U.S. territory alongside Vice President JD Vance and Secretary Marco Rubio, and another image with an American flag overlaying both the U.S. and Canada on a North America map.
- He posted screenshots he says are text messages from French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre about Greenland.
- Trump texted Støre that his fixation on Greenland is at least partly personal, saying he is upset he did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
- He linked agreeing to a Davos meeting on Greenland to a call with NATOâs Rutte and again labeled the UKâMauritius Chagos deal 'an act of GREAT STUPIDITY' as a fresh justification for acquiring Greenland.
6:19 PM
Trump says U.K. return of Chagos Islands to Mauritius is a reason to acquire Greenland
New information:
- NPR provides the full text and timing of Trumpâs latest Truth Social post on January 20, 2026, accusing the UK of 'GREAT STUPIDITY' for 'planning to give away' Diego Garcia to Mauritius and explicitly calling the move a nationalâsecurity reason why 'Greenland has to be acquired.'
- The article details the 2025 UKâMauritius Chagos agreement terms: Mauritius gains sovereignty while the UK retains a 99âyear lease on Diego Garcia for more than $100 million a year to keep the joint U.S.âUK base in British and American hands.
- Downing Street issues a formal statement defending the deal as necessary to keep Diego Garcia operating after adverse international court rulings, saying it 'secures the operations of the joint US-UK base on Diego Garcia for generations' and has been 'publicly welcomed' by the U.S., Australia, all Five Eyes allies, India, Japan and South Korea.
- UK Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty tells the House of Commons he is 'surprised' by Trumpâs comments and says London will talk to the U.S. administration in coming days to 'remind them of the strength of this deal and how it secures the base.'
- NPR notes the timing: Trumpâs post lands hours before House Speaker Mike Johnsonâs historic address to the UK Parliament, with Johnson later acknowledging tensions and casting his visit as an effort to 'calm the water' over Greenland and related disputes.
11:35 AM
Trump U-turns on U.K.-Chagos Islands deal, links it to bid for Greenland
New information:
- Trumpâs new Truth Social post labels the UKâs agreed transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, including Diego Garcia, as an act of 'GREAT STUPIDITY' and 'total weakness' and says it is 'another... national security reason why Greenland has to be acquired.'
- The piece documents that the Trump administration, after an interagency review, had previously supported the 2024 UKâMauritius deal, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in May 2025 calling it a 'monumental achievement' that secured longâterm operations for the joint U.S.âUK base at Diego Garcia.
- It details that under the agreement the UK retains control of the Diego Garcia base via a 99âyear lease costing about $136 million annually, and quotes a UK government statement defending the deal as necessary after court rulings that threatened the baseâs future.
- The article notes the 2019 International Court of Justice advisory opinion finding the UKâs separation of Chagos from Mauritius unlawful and calling for decolonization, and recounts the historical forced removal of Chagossians from Diego Garcia.
- It juxtaposes Trumpâs attack with House Speaker Mike Johnsonâs sameâday remarks in London assuring MPs that U.S.âUK differences can still be managed 'calmly as friends,' highlighting an immediate diplomatic optics clash.
11:19 AM
House Speaker Mike Johnson tells British Parliament he came to 'calm the waters'
New information:
- House Speaker Mike Johnson delivered the firstâever address by a sitting U.S. House speaker to the British Parliament, saying he came to 'calm the waters' after tensions over Trumpâs push to acquire Greenland.
- Johnson said he spoke 'at length' with President Trump and framed his mission in London as reassuring the UK that the U.S.âUK alliance remains durable despite disputes over Greenland and the Chagos Islands deal.
- He publicly defended Trumpâs focus on China and Russia in the Arctic, while stressing that Americaâs 'America First' stance does not mean 'America alone' and that allies can debate tactics while agreeing on the need to counter those adversaries.
11:00 AM
Trump fires off late night Truth Social posts doubling down on Greenland ambitions
New information:
- Trump says he had a 'very good' phone call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte about Greenland and agreed to a Greenlandârelated meeting of 'various parties' in Davos.
- He posts a graphic depicting himself with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance in front of a sign reading 'Greenland US TERRITORY EST. 2026,' underscoring his timeline and desired status.
- Trump cites the UKâs reported plan to transfer Diego Garcia to Mauritius as 'GREAT STUPIDITY' and another nationalâsecurity reason why Greenland 'has to be acquired,' explicitly pressuring Denmark and European allies to 'DO THE RIGHT THING.'
- The piece reiterates his Jan. 17 Truth Social post announcing 10% U.S. tariffs on eight European allies starting Feb. 1, 2026, rising to 25% June 1, 2026, until a deal is reached for the 'Complete and Total purchase of Greenland,' now framed against the backdrop of the oneâyear anniversary of his second inauguration.
7:15 AM
Trump heads to Davos more aggressive and ambitious than ever
New information:
- Adds that Trump is departing for Davos 'more aggressive and ambitious than ever,' with aides saying the Venezuela Maduro raid has 'freed up the president even more to project power around the world.'
- Reports that in Davos Trump will announce an expansion of his Gaza 'Board of Peace' into a global body, described by a senior U.S. official as a 'Board of Peace around the world,' which some allies see as a rival to the UN Security Council with Trump as the sole veto holder.
- Details that EU countries are actively debating a 'massive package' of retaliatory tariffs and Denmark is sending additional troops to Greenland as counterâmoves to Trumpâs Feb. 1 ultimatum.
- Reveals that European and Ukrainian officials have had to scrap plans to sign a Ukraine 'prosperity plan' at Davos because the Greenland standoff has taken over the agenda.
- Notes that Trump has been posting memes claiming Greenland and Canada, plus private texts from Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and that Norway was surprised when Trump circulated his Nobel-related text to NATO ambassadors.
January 19, 2026
7:37 PM
Trump warns US can no longer think âpurely of peaceâ as he pushes for Greenland control
New information:
- Reveals verbatim text messages Trump sent to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in which he writes he "no longer" feels obligated to think "purely of Peace" after not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize and now will focus on what is "good and proper" for the U.S.
- Trump asserts in the text that "The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland" and questions Denmarkâs ownership claims, saying there are "no written documents" and that U.S. boats also "landed there" centuries ago.
- Trump tells Støre he has "done more for NATO than any other person since its founding" and that "now, NATO should do something for the United States" in the context of his Greenland demand.
- Støre confirms the authenticity of the text to Fox, publicly reiterates Norwayâs position that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and stresses that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by an independent committee, not his government.
- The article restates that Trump has announced an additional 10% tariff on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the U.K., the Netherlands and Finland starting Feb. 1, rising to 25% on June 1, conditioned on reaching a deal to purchase Greenland, and notes EU diplomats are debating, but have not yet implemented, retaliatory tariffs.
- The piece ties Trumpâs text outburst directly to his anger at the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize going to Venezuelan opposition leader MarĂa Corina Machado, who then tried to "give" the medal to him in a White House ceremony, prompting the Nobel Committee to issue a rare reminder that the prize cannot be transferred or shared.
7:27 PM
European leaders warn of 'downward spiral' as Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland
New information:
- Eight targeted European countries â Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the U.K., the Netherlands and Finland â issued an unusually strong joint statement saying Trumpâs threatened 10% tariffs over the Greenland dispute 'undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.'
- Denmark and Norwayâs foreign ministers publicly said they will not allow themselves to be 'put under pressure' and called such tariff threats 'unacceptable between close allies,' while stressing they will keep pursuing dialogue about Greenland.
- EU Council President Antonio Costa, after emergency talks among EU envoys, said EU leaders agree the tariffs would be incompatible with the EUâU.S. trade agreement and expressed 'readiness to defend ourselves against any form of coercion,' foreshadowing an EU leadersâ summit.
- The joint statement explicitly affirms 'full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland' and frames any talks as having to be based on sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Trump posted that NATO has warned Denmark for two decades about Russian threats to Greenland and that 'now it is time, and it will be done!!!'
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas publicly warned that divisions between the U.S. and Europe over Greenland will benefit China and Russia, injecting a broader geopolitical argument about how the tariff fight could weaken the Western front against rivals.
6:04 PM
WATCH: Bessent says it would be 'very unwise' for Europe to retaliate over Trump threats on Greenland
New information:
- PBS/AP piece puts Bessent on camera in Davos saying European retaliatory measures would be 'very unwise,' confirming EU officials have been making 'a lot of inbounds' to the administration since Trumpâs tariff threat.
- The article specifies the eight targeted European countriesâDenmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finlandâand reiterates Trumpâs schedule for a 10% tariff starting in February, rising to 25% on June 1 absent a Greenland deal.
- It details upcoming diplomatic tracks: Trump, Ursula von der Leyen and other leaders heading to Davos (with no meetings yet set), followed by an emergency European Council summit Thursday in Brussels focused on transatlantic relations.
- European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill is quoted stressing a priority to 'engage, not escalate' while confirming the EU is prepared to respond with tools such as tariffs, suspension of the U.S.âEU trade agreement, or use of the AntiâCoercion Instrument ('trade bazooka') if Trumpâs tariffs hit.
- The piece cites fresh 2024 Eurostat figures showing EUâU.S. trade in goods and services at âŹ1.7 trillion, or âŹ4.6 billion per day, underscoring the economic stakes of any tariff war.
3:43 PM
White House urges 'cooler heads to prevail' as EU fires back on Trump tariffs over Greenland
New information:
- NEC Director Kevin Hassett publicly framed Trumpâs Greenlandâlinked tariffs as part of hardânosed bargaining and urged 'cooler heads to prevail' and 'disregard the rhetoric' while negotiating.
- Trump is threatening 10% tariffs on goods from Denmark and multiple EU partners â including the UK, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland â rising to 25% on June 1 if no Greenland deal is reached.
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly condemned Trumpâs move, saying any decision on Greenlandâs status belongs to Greenland and Denmark and that tariffs on allies are 'completely wrong.'
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, with other EU leaders, warned in a joint statement that the tariffs could 'undermine transatlantic relations' and risk a 'dangerous downward spiral,' and vowed Europe 'wonât be blackmailed.'
- EU officials are reportedly weighing using their trade 'bazooka' â a retaliatory tariff package â in response to Trumpâs proposed duties, adding a concrete counterâthreat on the European side.
3:27 PM
Trump says he's pursuing Greenland after perceived Nobel Peace Prize snub
New information:
- NPR provides fuller verbatim excerpts of Trumpâs message, including his claim that because Norway 'decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS,' he 'no longer feel[s] an obligation to think purely of Peace' and can instead think about 'what is good and proper for the United States of America.'
- The article confirms via Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støreâs onâtheârecord statement that he received Trumpâs message in response to a text from him and Finlandâs President Alexander Stubb urging deâescalation and opposing new U.S. tariffs on eight European countries over the Greenland dispute.
- Gahr Støre publicly corrects Trumpâs assertion that 'Norway decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize' by stressing that the Norwegian government does not award the prize; a fiveâmember Norwegian Nobel Committee does so independently.
- NPR notes the World Economic Forumâs confirmation that the Danish government will not send officials to Davos this week, linking the noâshow to the escalating row over Greenland and tariffs.
- The piece reiterates that the most recent Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader MarĂa Corina Machado for 2024, before Trumpâs current term, and reminds readers that she symbolically handed Trump her medal last week, a gesture that has drawn a formal rebuff from the Nobel Foundation in separate coverage.
- NPR adds that, on Sunday, leaders of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement warning Trumpâs proposed tariffs 'undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.'
2:59 PM
Norwegian leader says he received Trump message that reportedly ties Greenland to Nobel Peace Prize
New information:
- Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre publicly confirms he received a text message reply from President Trump but does not release the contents, while affirming Norway's support for Denmark and Greenland.
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted saying he does not believe military action over Greenland will occur and calls for the dispute to be resolved through 'calm discussion,' an explicit allied attempt at deâescalation.
- Greenland Prime Minister JensâFrederik Nielsen posts on Facebook that tariff threats will not change Greenlandâs stance and that 'we will not be pressured,' reinforcing resistance to U.S. pressure.
- The article notes thousands of Greenlanders marched over the weekend protesting any effort by the U.S. to take over the island, highlighting onâtheâground public backlash.
1:11 PM
Trump links Greenland standoff with allies to perceived Nobel snub
New information:
- Trump sent a message to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, shared with other NATO allies, saying that because the Nobel Committee again declined to award him the Nobel Peace Prize, he no longer feels 'an obligation to think purely of Peace' and can now think about what is 'good and proper for the United States of America.'
- In the same message, Trump reiterated that 'the World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland,' directly tying his Greenland demands to that shift in attitude.
- Trump again questioned Denmarkâs claim to Greenland, arguing Denmarkâs basis is that 'a boat landed there hundreds of years ago, but we had boats landing there, also,' and asserted Denmark cannot protect the island from Russia or China, despite NATO guarantees and existing U.S. bases.
- Norwegian officials confirmed receipt of the message and said it was sent in response to a joint text from Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb opposing Trumpâs announced tariff hikes on Norway, Finland and other countries and proposing a deâescalatory phone call.
- Greenlandic leaders and the Greenlandic public are described as having made it 'abundantly clear' they do not want to become part of the U.S., with fresh protest imagery from Nuuk underscoring domestic opposition there.
12:32 PM
Troops stand by to enter Minnesota. And, Trump plans for a Board of Peace
New information:
- NPR reports that over the weekend President Trump publicly announced plans to impose new tariffs on eight NATO allies until there is a deal for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, explicitly linking the tariffs to a purchase.
- The eight affected nations convened an emergency meeting and warned that Trumpâs tariffs threaten a "dangerous downward spiral" for transatlantic relations, language that heightens the diplomatic stakes.
- NPR notes that lawmakers in Washington say they have not received any intelligence indicating an imminent Russian or Chinese threat to Greenland, undercutting the administrationâs nationalâsecurity rationale.
- On the ground in Denmark, NPR describes thousands of peaceful protesters marching to the U.S. embassy with Greenland flags and red hats reading "Make America Go Away," capturing public backlash and mocking Trumpâs brand.
10:00 AM
U.S. lawmakers wrap reassurance tour in Denmark as tensions around Greenland grow
New information:
- President Trump announced he intends to impose a 10% tariff on eight European nations, including Denmark, and raise it to 25% by June if the U.S. does not reach a deal to acquire Greenland.
- A bipartisan delegation of 11 U.S. lawmakers, led by Sen. Chris Coons and including Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Thom Tillis, visited Denmark to reassure Danish and Greenlandic officials and cool tensions over Trumpâs Greenland push.
- Sen. Thom Tillis publicly condemned the idea of using coercive measures to seize allied territory as "beyond stupid" and harmful to Trumpâs NATO legacy.
- Greenlandic politician Pipaluk Lynge told the delegation that "the children of Greenland are worried," urged faceâtoâface dialogue instead of social media, and said Greenland is "open for business and open for dialogue, to compromise."
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that U.S. takeover of Greenland would mean the end of NATO; Sen. Coons responded that "Greenland is a part of Denmark. Denmark is our NATO ally. That should be the end of this discussion."
12:15 AM
Greenland needs US for defense because 'Europeans project weakness,' US Treasury Secretary argues
New information:
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told NBCâs 'Meet the Press' that 'Europeans project weakness' while the U.S. 'projects strength' and that 'this fight for the Arctic is real.'
- Bessent argued that 'enhanced security is not possible without Greenland being part of the U.S.,' explicitly tying Trumpâs Greenland bid to a requirement for U.S. sovereignty rather than negotiated security arrangements.
- He said the U.S. would in any case be dragged into defending Greenland under NATO guarantees if Russia attacked, and framed making Greenland part of the United States now as 'peace through strength.'
- The interview reiterated that Trump has already announced new tariffs on several European countries unless a deal is reached for Greenlandâs purchase, and that Bessent defended those moves as part of the same security logic.
January 18, 2026
9:11 PM
European countries balk at Trumpâs Greenland tariffs threat
New information:
- Identifies the eight targeted countries by name â Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the U.K. â issuing a joint statement condemning Trumpâs threatened tariffs.
- Details Trumpâs specific tariff schedule: 10% on every product from those eight countries beginning Feb. 1, rising to 25% on June 1, 2026.
- Reports U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Trump that imposing tariffs on allies over NATOârelated security decisions is "wrong."
- Quotes Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen saying Europe "wonât be blackmailed" and notes Denmark has increased its security presence around Greenland in response.
- Notes NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke with Trump about "the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic" and plans to meet him at Davos.
7:36 PM
European leaders warn Trump's Greenland tariffs threaten 'dangerous downward spiral'
New information:
- Eight leaders â of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK â issued a joint statement condemning Trumpâs new tariff threats tied to allied deployments to Greenland and explicitly warning of a 'dangerous downward spiral.'
- The joint statement frames the Danishâled 'Arctic Endurance' exercise in Greenland as a preâcoordinated NATO activity that 'poses no threat to anyone' and reaffirms allied commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- NPR specifies Trumpâs latest Truth Social threat to levy a 10% tariff on imports from the eight countries starting Feb. 1, rising to 25% on June 1, 'until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.'
- Individual leadersâ reactions are fleshed out: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Trump in a phone call that using tariffs against allies is 'completely wrong'; Swedenâs Ulf Kristersson and Norwayâs prime minister explicitly said their countries would not be 'blackmailed' and that 'threats have no place among allies.'
- A French official tells NPR that Paris has mobilized its diplomatic apparatus to coordinate a European response, with Foreign Minister JeanâNoĂŤl Barrot in talks with British, German and EU counterparts and European Parliament groups.
- The article notes new large protests in Denmark and Greenland against U.S. pressure, in parallel with the NATOâside Arctic security debate.
5:39 PM
Trump's Greenland tariff threat pushes Europe toward its trade "bazooka"
New information:
- Trumpâs latest move is a specific pledge to impose 10% tariffs on Feb. 1, rising to 25% in June, on eight NATO allies (France, Germany, the U.K., the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland) until a Greenland purchase deal is reached.
- Senior EU figures, including French President Emmanuel Macron and European Parliament leaders Manfred Weber and Bernd Lange, are openly calling for the EU to consider using its 2023 anti-coercion instrumentâthe soâcalled trade 'bazooka'âagainst the U.S. for the first time.
- Weber said approval of the planned U.S.âEU zeroâtariff trade deal 'is not possible at this stage' and that 0% tariffs on U.S. products 'must be put on hold' after Trumpâs threat.
- EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and leaders from Sweden, Germany, Norway and the Netherlands labeled Trumpâs tariff threat 'blackmail' and warned of a 'downward spiral' in transatlantic relations.
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that China and Russia 'must be having a field day' and argued that any Greenland security issues should be handled inside NATO, not via U.S. tariffs.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent publicly doubled down on NBCâs 'Meet the Press,' saying Europeans 'project weakness' while insisting the U.S. must acquire Greenland for security reasons.
4:13 PM
Republicans and Democrats are trying to contain Trump's Greenland aggression. Will it be enough?
New information:
- Confirms that Trump has now explicitly said he will impose a 10% import tax starting in February on goods from eight European nations because of their opposition to his Greenland plans, tying acquisition rhetoric directly to a new tariff move.
- Adds named Republican voices and quotes showing unusually public intraâparty resistance, including Thom Tillis calling the tariff plans 'bad for America' and Mitch McConnell warning on the Senate floor that seizing Greenland would 'shatter the trust of allies' and damage Trumpâs legacy.
- Details that Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenlandic minister Vivian Motzfeldt told U.S. senators there is 'no evidence of Chinese or Russian activity in Greenland,' undercutting a central White House justification.
- Reports bipartisan Senate travel to Copenhagen organized by Sen. Chris Coons and joined by GOP Sens. Tillis and Lisa Murkowski to 'bring the temperature down' and expand Arctic security and minerals cooperation as an alternative to any forced U.S. takeover.
- Notes that multiple NATO allies have already deployed small troop contingents to Greenland in response to Trumpâs rhetoric, forcing Denmark and partners to divert security resources to the island.
January 17, 2026
6:13 PM
US congressional delegation visits Denmark amid backlash over Trump's push to acquire Greenland
New information:
- A bipartisan, bicameral U.S. congressional delegation led by Sen. Chris Coons traveled to Copenhagen for meetings with Danish and Greenlandic officials specifically to reaffirm congressional support for Denmark and Greenlandâs sovereignty.
- Delegation members included Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Chris Coons, Dick Durbin, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis and Reps. Gregory Meeks, Sarah McBride, Madeleine Dean, and Sara Jacobs.
- Shaheenâs preâtrip statement framed the visit as reinforcing shared principles of sovereignty and selfâdetermination and bolstering Arctic security and trade ties.
- During the visit, Denmark saw large 'Hands Off Greenland' protests, with thousands chanting 'Greenland is not for sale' and carrying banners such as 'Greenland for Greenlanders.'
- The delegationâs travel overlapped with Trumpâs weekend announcement of planned tariffs on Denmark and several European nations aimed at forcing a Greenland purchase, sharpening allied concerns about NATO cohesion.
5:00 PM
'Not for sale': massive protest in Copenhagen against Trump's desire to acquire Greenland
New information:
- Thousands of people marched in Copenhagen from City Hall to the U.S. Embassy on Jan. 17, 2026, protesting Trumpâs desire to acquire Greenland.
- Protesters carried Greenlandic flags, chanted 'Greenland is not for sale,' and wore parody red hats reading 'Make America go away.'
- NPR reports Trump recently told reporters on Air Force One, 'One way or the other, we're going to have Greenland,' reinforcing that acquisition remains an active objective.
- Danish and Greenlandic protesters voiced deep resentment and fear that Trump could actually use force, framing this as a betrayal after Denmark fought alongside the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- The protest followed a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegationâs visit to Copenhagen intended to reassure Danish and Greenlandic officials about the bilateral relationship despite Trumpâs rhetoric.
10:00 AM
Allies seek off-ramps as Trump doubles down on Greenland
New information:
- Provides onâtheârecord detail that some Senate Republicans, in addition to House sponsors, are opposing any use of military force to seize Greenland and are instead working behind the scenes to redirect Trump toward commercial arrangements.
- Reports that U.S., Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers met faceâtoâface in Washington with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, producing a 'highâlevel working group' to address U.S. security concerns instead of any agreement on acquisition.
- Quotes Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen calling there a 'fundamental disagreement' over Greenlandâs right to selfâdetermination despite the workingâgroup announcement.
- Adds new nuance on Trumpâs motivations â that he has said owning the island is 'psychologically needed for success' and that European diplomats suspect his nationalâsecurity rationale may be a pretext for resource and dataâcenter exploitation by Silicon Valley allies.
- Highlights a fresh Trump threat to impose tariffs on countries that do not back U.S. control of Greenland, escalating pressure on allies beyond what earlier legislative reporting described.
1:05 AM
U.S. shouldn't invade Greenland, Pennsylvania Sens. Fetterman and McCormick say
New information:
- Pennsylvania Sens. John Fetterman (D) and Dave McCormick (R) told CBS they oppose any U.S. military invasion or 'takeover' of Greenland, while remaining open to a negotiated purchase or greater U.S. control.
- Fetterman called the idea of the U.S. buying Greenland 'not an absurd idea' and noted Harry Trumanâs secret Cold Warâera $100 million offer, but said 'obviously we're not showing up with the military' and 'you're not going to invade.'
- McCormick said there is an 'open door' for diplomatic and commercial negotiations with Denmark to gain a 'strategic foothold' in Greenland, predicting the Trump administration will 'get there' without using force.
- The article reiterates that Trump has threatened tariff hikes on countries that do not 'go along with' his Greenland annexation push and has not ruled out taking the island by military force, drawing strong opposition from Danish and Greenlandic leaders.
January 16, 2026
4:58 PM
Rep. Don Bacon would âleanâ toward impeaching Trump if U.S. invades Greenland
New information:
- Rep. Don Bacon told the Omaha World-Herald he would 'lean' toward impeaching President Trump if Trump ordered a military invasion of Greenland, calling it 'the worst idea ever' and 'utter buffoonery.'
- Bacon publicly framed a Greenland invasion as potentially 'the end of his presidency' and said Republicans must be firm in signaling they will not tolerate attacking an ally.
- The article confirms Bacon co-sponsored the No Funds for NATO Invasion Act, describes it as meant to limit Trumpâs capacity to invade a NATO ally, and quotes Bacon saying he felt compelled to 'make a statement that Republicans disagree.'
- It notes a bipartisan delegation of lawmakers is traveling to Copenhagen to reassure Danish and Greenlandic leaders that Trumpâs threats 'do not reflect the views of the American people or the Congress.'
- The piece adds fresh, explicit Trump rhetoric: in a recent news conference with oil executives he said he was 'going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not,' and posted that 'anything less' than U.S. control of Greenland is 'unacceptable' because NATO 'becomes far more formidable and effective' with Greenland in U.S. hands.
January 13, 2026
8:35 AM
Bipartisan lawmakers propose bill to block military action against NATO members amid threats to take Greenland
New information:
- Rep. Bill Keating, joined by Steny Hoyer, Brendan Boyle and Republican Don Bacon, is introducing a bill to restrict funding for any unauthorized U.S. military action against NATO allies and territories.
- The bill does not name Greenland but is explicitly framed by sponsors as a response to Trumpâs threats to acquire Greenland by force and is intended to cover all NATO members.
- Trump is quoted saying, 'We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not,' and openly raises using U.S. military force if necessary, despite NATO Article V implications.
2:48 AM
Scoop: Democrat introduces bill to shut down Trump's Greenland ambitions
New information:
- Rep. Jimmy Gomez (DâCalif.) is introducing the threeâpage 'Greenland Sovereignty Protection Act' to block President Trump from using federal funds to invade, annex, purchase or otherwise acquire Greenland.
- The Gomez bill also bars funding for a surge of U.S. troops to Greenland and for public influence campaigns aimed at persuading Greenlanders to support a U.S. takeover.
- Axios confirms a competing Republican bill, introduced the same Monday, would authorize Trump to 'take such steps as may be necessary' to acquire Greenland.
- The article notes that while Republicans control both chambers, many GOP lawmakers have publicly pushed back on Trumpâs suggestion of taking Greenland militarily, in part because as a Danish territory it falls under NATO Article 5.
January 12, 2026
11:44 PM
Lawmakers to visit Denmark as Trump threatens to take over Greenland
New information:
- A bipartisan congressional delegation led by Sen. Chris Coons and including Sen. Thom Tillis will visit Copenhagen later this week to meet with Danish and Greenlandic officials and business leaders.
- Trump has recently escalated his rhetoric, saying he has not ruled out military action and declaring that "one way or the other, we're going to have Greenland."
- Coons and Tillis both issued statements explicitly affirming U.S. support for NATO, for Denmark as an ally, and for the sovereignty of Denmark and Greenland.
- Administration officials are scheduled to meet with Danish officials in Washington on Wednesday for talks about Greenland, according to diplomatic sources cited by CBS.
11:00 PM
House Republican introduces bill to let Trump annex Greenland
New information:
- Identifies the sponsor as Rep. Randy Fine, a Trumpâaligned Republican from Florida.
- Names the measure as the 'Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act' and notes it is a twoâpage bill.
- Quotes operative text authorizing the president 'to take such steps as may be necessary... to annex or otherwise acquire Greenland as a territory of the United States.'
- Specifies that the bill creates an expedited framework for Congress to approve Greenlandâs statehood after acquisition.
- Reports that Fineâs bill goes beyond earlier 2025 Republican proposals limited to authorizing a purchase from Denmark.
- Highlights that even many Republicans oppose using force to acquire Greenland, making the measure an 'extreme longâshot.'
- Reiterates that an invasion of Greenland, a Danish territory, could trigger a NATO Article 5 response.
4:04 PM
Trump's Greenland push escalates as GOP lawmaker moves to make it America's 51st state
New information:
- Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., is introducing a House bill on Monday authorizing President Trump 'to take such steps as may be necessary' to acquire Greenland and place it on a pathway toward becoming the 51st U.S. state.
- Fine frames the bill as expressing congressional backing for Trumpâs efforts and designed to 'expedite' Greenlandâs movement toward statehood, while still leaving the ultimate decision on state admission to Congress under the Constitutionâs admissions power.
- The article highlights intraparty unease: some Republicans were rattled after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt recently refused to rule out the use of U.S. military force to acquire Greenland.
- Fine explicitly says he prefers acquiring Greenland 'voluntarily' and argues that U.S. sovereignty would be better for Greenlanders, citing high poverty and criticizing Denmarkâs governance and socialist politics.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio is quoted saying he will meet with Danish officials this week to discuss Greenland, underscoring that talks with Denmark are actively underway.
3:12 AM
Trump says Greenland's defense is 'two dog sleds' as he pushes for US acquisition of territory
New information:
- Trump, speaking to reporters on Air Force One, said 'the U.S. must acquire Greenland' and explicitly rejected any leasing arrangement, insisting only full acquisition is acceptable.
- He dismissed Greenlandâs existing defenses as 'two dog sleds' and warned that if the U.S. does not acquire the island, 'Russia or China will,' describing Russian and Chinese destroyers and submarines as being 'all over the place' in the region.
- Greenlandâs Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and four party leaders issued a joint statement saying 'we donât want to be Americans, we donât want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders,' calling for an end to 'the United Statesâ contempt for our country.'
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any U.S. military action against a NATO ally over Greenland would effectively end NATO, saying 'if the U.S. chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops.'
January 11, 2026
11:40 PM
U.S. officials to meet with Danish officials Wednesday about Greenland, sources say
New information:
- Trump administration officials have scheduled an unannounced meeting with Danish officials on Wednesday specifically to discuss Greenland, according to diplomatic sources.
- The White House now openly says it is examining 'a wide range of options' to acquire Greenland, explicitly including using the U.S. military to take it by force.
- President Trump told the New York Times that owning Greenland is 'psychologically needed for success' and has repeatedly framed its acquisition as a defense necessity, further alarming European allies.
- Multiple unnamed European diplomats told CBS they increasingly see the U.S. commitment to NATO as no longer ironclad and view the Greenland episode as a potential 'breaking point.'
- Danish Ambassador Jesper Møller Sørensen and Greenlandâs prime minister and party leaders publicly reiterated that Greenland has been part of the Kingdom of Denmark for centuries and that all five Greenlandic parties oppose becoming part of the U.S., saying, 'We don't want to be Americans, we don't want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders.'
- Danish PM Mette Frederiksen warned that any American military move to seize Greenland would mean the end of NATO, echoing Sen. Tim Kaineâs warning that such a step would leave 'America alone.'
- Trump-appointed special envoy to Greenland Jeff Landry tried to justify U.S. claims by arguing on X that Denmark 'sidestepped' UN protocol after WWII, a claim Denmark publicly rebutted as historically inaccurate.
6:15 PM
Greenland conquest "would be disastrous," Sen. Tim Kaine says
New information:
- Sen. Tim Kaine told CBS's 'Face the Nation' he believes there would be bipartisan opposition to any U.S. military effort to take Greenland and that 'Congress will stop him, both Democrats and Republicans.'
- Kaine said he and colleagues will 'force a vote in the Senate about no U.S. military action in Greenland or Denmark' and predicted 'overwhelming bipartisan support' for that constraint.
- Kaine explicitly warned that using force over Greenland would be 'disastrous,' could mean 'the end of NATO' and leave the U.S. 'isolated as a pariah.'
- The article reiterates that Trump on Jan. 9 said he wants Greenland 'the easy way' but is prepared to pursue it 'the hard way' if necessary, which Kaine flatly rejects.
- Greenland PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen and four Greenlandic party leaders issued a joint statement saying 'We don't want to be Americans, we don't want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders,' underscoring local rejection of any U.S. takeover.
- Danish PM Mette Frederiksen is quoted warning that an American takeover of Greenland would mark 'the end of the 76-year-old NATO alliance,' which Kaine echoes.
5:25 AM
Greenlandâs harsh environment and lack of infrastructure have prevented rare earth mining
New information:
- Experts say Greenlandâs harsh climate, lack of roads/rail and power, and need to import skilled labor are major obstacles to any mine, even in the more populated south.
- Geologists note that Greenlandâs rare earths are largely trapped in eudialyte rock, for which no profitable extraction process exists, unlike betterâunderstood carbonatite deposits elsewhere.
- The article cites an estimate of about 1.5 million tons of rare earths in Greenland but stresses that current projects are stuck at the exploratory stage and may never be viable.
- Chatham Houseâs Patrick SchrĂśder warns that rareâearth mining in Greenlandâs fragile Arctic environment would involve toxic chemicals, potential radioactive uranium byproducts, and conflict with the islandâs tourism ambitions.
- Critical Minerals Institute director Tracy Hughes argues that U.S. political 'fixation' on Greenland is driven more by geopolitics and stockâpromotion hype than by realistic supply options for tech manufacturers.
January 10, 2026
5:51 PM
Greenland leaders push back on Trump's calls for US control of the island: 'We donât want to be Americans'
New information:
- Direct Trump quote at a Jan. 9, 2026 White House roundtable with oil executives: 'We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not,' tying Greenland explicitly to fears of Russian or Chinese presence.
- Trump links Greenland and Venezuela in his remarks, saying if the U.S. does not take Greenland then 'Russia or China will take over Greenland' and that the U.S. is 'in control of Venezuela' after Maduroâs capture.
- Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and four party leaders issued a joint statement saying, 'We donât want to be Americans, we donât want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders,' and calling for an end to 'the United Statesâ contempt for our country.'
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told broadcaster TV2 that if the U.S. chose to attack another NATO country militarily, 'then everything stops. Including our NATO and thus the security that has been provided since the end of the Second World War,' a direct warning that a forced annexation attempt could effectively end NATO security guarantees.
- Nielsen separately stated on Facebook that Greenland is 'not an object of superpower rhetoric,' reinforcing opposition to being used in U.S.âRussiaâChina rivalry narratives.
- The article notes White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller publicly backing Trumpâs Greenland remarks and arguing on CNN that Greenland 'should be' under U.S. control (truncated in text but indicating senior staff amplification).
5:46 PM
Greenland's party leaders firmly reject Trump's push for U.S. takeover of island
New information:
- Provides the full text framing from Greenlandic leaders: 'We don't want to be Americans, we don't want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders,' explicitly emphasizing national identity.
- Details that the joint Greenlandic party-leadersâ statement accuses the United States of showing 'contempt for our country' and calls for that to end.
- Specifies that the White House has said it is considering 'a range of options, including using military force, to acquire the island,' directly tying that threat to Trumpâs 'easy way'/'hard way' remarks.
- Notes that Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned an American takeover of Greenland would mark 'the end of NATO,' sharpening the allianceâlevel stakes.
- Clarifies that officials from Denmark, Greenland and the United States met in Washington on Thursday and plan to meet again the following week to discuss the U.S. push for control of Greenland.
- Quotes the Greenlandic leaders stressing that decisions about the islandâs future are being prepared 'on the basis of international laws' and that 'no other country can interfere in this.'
1:07 PM
Greenland's leaders reject Trump push: "We don't want to be Americans"
New information:
- Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and four party leaders issued a joint statement Friday declaring, 'We don't want to be Americans, we don't want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders,' and insisting Greenlandâs future must be decided by its people.
- The statement accuses the United States of showing 'contempt' for Greenland and says 'no other country can interfere' in decisions about its future, emphasizing adherence to international law.
- CBS notes that officials from Denmark, Greenland and the U.S. met Thursday in Washington and will meet again next week to discuss the White Houseâs renewed push for control of the island.
- The article cites BBC polling that 85% of Greenlanders oppose a U.S. takeover and that many favor eventual independence from Denmark.
- Former Danish ambassador to NATO Michael Zilmer-Johns is quoted calling Trumpâs ambitions 'an affront to an ally that has stood up with the U.S. in Afghanistan, in Iraq, all over the world.'
10:37 AM
Greenland's party leaders firmly reject Trump's push for US control of the island
New information:
- All major Greenlandic party leaders, together with Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, issued a joint statement saying Greenlandâs future "must be decided by the Greenlandic people" and declaring, âWe donât want to be Americans, we donât want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders.â
- The statement accuses the United States of showing "contempt" for Greenland and insists that no other country can interfere in decisions about the islandâs future, which must be based on international law and made without outside pressure.
- The White House is quoted as explicitly saying it is considering "a range of options, including using military force" to acquire Greenland, language that sharpens earlier talk of taking the island "the hard way."
- Officials from Denmark, Greenland and the United States met Thursday in Washington and plan to meet again next week to discuss the renewed White House push for control of Greenland.
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is reported warning that an American takeover of Greenland would "mark the end of NATO," underscoring potential allianceâwide consequences.
January 09, 2026
10:46 PM
WATCH: Trump says Russia or China will occupy Greenland 'if we don't'
New information:
- Trump, in a White House meeting with oil executives, said he wants to acquire Greenland 'the easy way' but warned that 'if we don't do it the easy way, we're going to do it the hard way,' without explaining what the 'hard way' entails.
- He explicitly questioned Denmarkâs claim to Greenland, saying that just because Denmark 'had a boat land there 500 years ago' does not mean it owns the land and suggesting the U.S. likely had boats there as well.
- Trump reiterated that the U.S. will not allow Russia or China to 'occupy Greenland' and asserted that such an occupation is 'what's going to happen if we don't' act.
- He again claimed credit for having 'saved NATO,' responding to Denmarkâs prime ministerâs warning that a U.S. military move on Greenland would mean the end of NATO.
9:45 PM
Trump says US is making moves to acquire Greenland 'whether they like it or not'
New information:
- During a Jan. 9, 2026 White House meeting with nearly two dozen oil executives, Trump said, 'We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not,' arguing that if the U.S. does not take Greenland, 'Russia or China will take over Greenland.'
- Trump directly linked Greenland and Venezuela as U.S. 'red lines,' warning that Russia and China will not 'move in' on either country 'on his watch.'
- He stated that the U.S. would pursue Greenland 'the easy way' via a deal with Denmark or 'the hard way,' adding, 'the fact that they had a boat land there 500 years ago doesn't mean that they own the land.'
- Trump asserted that 'right now, Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place' and described Russian destroyers, Chinese warships and submarines 'all over the place' outside Greenland as justification that 'we're not going to have Russia or China occupy Greenland.'
- He defended U.S. ownership as necessary even with an existing U.S. base, saying, 'When we own it, we defend it,' and repeated that 'we need Greenland from a national security situation. It's so strategic.'
January 08, 2026
11:25 PM
Zinke supports Trump action in Venezuela but sees no basis for action in Greenland
New information:
- Rep. Ryan Zinke distinguishes Venezuela from Greenland by saying Greenland poses no threat to the United States and has 'duly elected authority,' unlike Maduro, whom he characterizes as a narcotrafficker and illegitimate leader.
- Zinke states explicitly that U.S. military action against Greenland would 'require a congressional approval by law and by Constitution,' drawing a red line on the legal basis for any Trumpâproposed Greenland operation.
- He indicates that Trumpâs style is to 'never take anything off the table' but still frames Greenland as a scenario where Article I congressional authorization would be required, providing a Republican lawmakerâs constraint on the administrationâs most aggressive Greenland rhetoric.
9:42 PM
Denmark and Greenland envoys meet with White House officials over Trump's call for a 'takeover'
New information:
- Denmark's ambassador Jesper Møller Sørensen and Greenland's Washington representative Jacob Isbosethsen met with White House National Security Council officials on Jan. 8, 2026 to discuss Trump's renewed push to acquire Greenland, potentially by military force.
- The envoys are also meeting with U.S. lawmakers this week to build opposition in Congress to any U.S. 'takeover' of Greenland.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to meet Danish officials in Washington next week for further talks on the issue.
- In a New York Times interview published Thursday, Trump said he needs to 'possess the entirety of Greenland' and argued that 'ownership' gives the U.S. capabilities that treaties or leases cannot.
- Vice President JD Vance publicly criticized Denmark's handling of Greenland security, stating Trump 'is willing to go as far as he has to' to defend U.S. Arctic interests and saying past Danish military contributions do not mean it is 'doing enough' now.
9:34 PM
Trump admin reportedly considers paying each Greenland resident up to $100K amid US takeover talks
New information:
- Reutersâsourced reporting that U.S. officials are discussing direct payments to each Greenland resident ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to encourage secession from Denmark and union with the United States.
- For an estimated population of 57,000, the contemplated payout would total more than $500 million to nearly $6 billion.
- Fox reports that internal discussions about such lumpâsum payments have intensified in recent days, with higher amounts now being considered.
- The White House, via Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, explicitly framed buying Greenland as serving U.S. national security by deterring Russian and Chinese aggression in the Arctic and confirmed Trumpâs team is 'currently talking about what a potential purchase would look like.'
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he plans to meet his Danish counterpart next week to discuss Greenland specifically.
- Greenland Prime Minister JensâFrederik Nielsen publicly rejected the acquisition push, saying on Facebook, 'This is enough. No more pressure. No more hints. No more fantasies about annexation,' and reiterated that Greenland will remain part of Denmark.
6:33 PM
Denmark calls proposed Greenland talks with U.S. a chance for 'the dialogue that is needed'
New information:
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says a meeting with Denmark about Greenland will happen next week, though he did not specify timing, location, or participants.
- Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen publicly welcomes the planned meeting and calls it 'the dialogue that is needed,' saying it was requested jointly by Denmarkâs government and Greenlandâs government.
- Greenlandâs Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt confirms Greenland will participate in the meeting and invokes the principle 'Nothing about Greenland without Greenland,' saying Greenland itself requested the talks.
- U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticizes Denmark for allegedly failing to adequately secure Greenland and says Trump 'is willing to go as far as he has to' to defend U.S. Arctic interests, while reiterating that U.S. missile defense infrastructure is partly dependent on Greenland.
- Rubio reportedly told select U.S. lawmakers that the administrationâs intention is ultimately to purchase Greenland, rather than use military force.
- Greenlandic MP Aaja Chemnitz says many Greenlanders find recent U.S. remarks disrespectful and stresses that most Greenlanders desire more self-determination and independence, while denying Trumpâs claim that Greenland is 'covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place.'
- French President Emmanuel Macron publicly criticizes a perceived 'law of the strongest' and references concerns that people are wondering whether Greenland will be invaded.
4:39 PM
Senate Dem John Fetterman supports prospect of US Greenland purchase, citing 'massive strategic benefits'
New information:
- Sen. John Fetterman posted on X that he believes Greenland has "massive strategic benefits" for the U.S. and said he supports acquiring it by purchase, explicitly invoking the Alaska and Louisiana Purchases.
- Fetterman stated he does not support taking Greenland by force and said "America is not a bully," distinguishing purchase from military seizure.
- The piece recalls that in a Fox News appearance last year Fetterman had already expressed openness to a Greenland purchase but again rejected force, showing consistency in his position.
- The article reiterates prior Trump statements, including a 2024 Truth Social post calling U.S. ownership and control of Greenland an "absolute necessity" for national security and a recent Air Force One gaggle where he said "We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security."
- Fetterman also publicly praised the recent U.S. military operation capturing NicolĂĄs Maduro as a "good thing" and "surgical," and said Democrats should acknowledge it as a positive development for Venezuelans.
January 07, 2026
9:07 PM
White House says 'all options' are on the table for Greenland, including diplomacy
New information:
- White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Jan. 7, 2026 that 'all options are always on the table' for President Trump regarding Greenland but emphasized that his 'first option always has been diplomacy.'
- Leavitt explicitly declined to rule out use of military force when pressed, arguing this president does not 'broadcast' foreign policy strategy by ruling options in or out.
- A joint statement from the leaders of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the U.K. said Greenland 'belongs to its people' and that 'it is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.'
- European leaders, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, warned that a U.S. military attack on Greenland would jeopardize NATO.
- Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. 'will always be there for NATO, even if they won't be there for us,' amid criticism over his Greenland comments and the Venezuela raid.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that Trumpâs interest in Greenland is unchanged from his first administration, said military intervention is not the administrationâs preference but 'did not rule it out,' adding 'every president retains the option' globally.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson said the U.S. has 'no intention' and 'no reason' to be at war with Greenland, called talk of military action not a real possibility, and said Congress expects 'thoughtful discussion' rather than force.
- Trump reiterated his claim that 'Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place' and argued Denmark cannot meet the islandâs security needs.
9:07 PM
White House says 'all options' are on the table for Greenland, including diplomacy
New information:
- Adds detailed onâtheârecord comments from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt explicitly stating 'all options are always on the table' while emphasizing diplomacy as Trumpâs 'first option.'
- Reports a new joint statement from the leaders of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the U.K. asserting that Greenland 'belongs to its people' and that only Denmark and Greenland may decide on related matters.
- Includes President Trumpâs new Truth Social post saying the U.S. 'will always be there for NATO, even if they won't be there for us,' directly tying the Greenland issue to NATO politics.
- Quotes Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Capitol Hill saying military intervention is 'not a preference' but refusing to rule it out globally, reinforcing that the option remains in principle.
- Details Speaker Mike Johnsonâs skepticism, stating that the U.S. has 'no reason to be at war with Greenland' and that he does not think military action is a serious possibility, signaling congressional pushback.
8:37 PM
Trump affirms US 'will always be there for NATO,' while expressing doubts about alliance
New information:
- Reports new comments by Trump on Air Force One explicitly reiterating that 'we need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it.'
- Notes that NATO allies, including Denmark, have recently pushed back on Trumpâs renewed calls for the U.S. to take over Greenland, highlighting alliance friction.
- Mentions that it is unclear whether Trumpâs NATO post was specifically prompted by resistance to his Greenland ambitions or by the Russia-Ukraine peace process.
8:16 PM
From Caracas to Nuuk: Maduro raid sparks fresh Trump push on Greenland
New information:
- Trump, speaking Sunday aboard Air Force One after the Venezuela raid, said, âWe need Greenland from a national security situation. Itâs so strategic,â and claimed âGreenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place.â
- Trump told reporters, âWeâll worry about Greenland in about two months. Letâs talk about Greenland in 20 days,â signaling a concrete shortâterm timeline for further moves on the issue.
- He asserted that âDenmark is not going to be able to do itâ and that acquiring Greenland would benefit both the U.S. and the European Union, saying, âThe European Union needs us to have it and they know that.â
- The White House, via press secretary Karoline Leavitt, reiterated to Fox News that âPresident Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States,â and said the administration is weighing how to acquire the territory with the use of the U.S. military remaining an option.
- The article links Trumpâs renewed Greenland push explicitly to the successful U.S. operation in Venezuela that captured NicolĂĄs Maduro and to fresh warnings directed at countries like Cuba for âpropping up Maduro.â
5:03 PM
Rubio to meet Danish counterpart next week on Greenland crisis
New information:
- Marco Rubio confirmed he will meet Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt next week in Washington to discuss the Greenland crisis.
- A Danish official tells Axios Denmark concluded in recent weeks that its strategy of quiet ally-to-ally persuasion on Greenland has failed to move Trump, prompting the shift to public alarm and high-level talks.
- White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday reiterated that Trump intends to acquire Greenland 'one way or the other' and that 'the U.S. military is always an option at the commander in chief's disposal.'
- Rubio publicly acknowledged Trump is interested in potentially buying Greenland, while emphasizing that 'we always prefer to settle it in different ways.'
4:48 PM
Denmark and Greenland seek talks with Rubio over U.S. interest in takeover of island
New information:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a classified Monday briefing to select lawmakers, said the administrationâs intention is to 'eventually purchase' Greenland rather than use military force, according to a person familiar with the comments.
- Denmarkâs Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenlandâs Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt have formally requested a meeting with Rubio, noting that previous attempts to secure a meeting were unsuccessful.
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that a U.S. takeover of Greenland would amount to 'the end of NATO,' a statement joined by leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom, who issued a joint declaration that Greenland 'belongs to its people.'
- Rubio told reporters on Wednesday that Trump has been talking about acquiring Greenland since his first term and that the issue came up during his briefing to the full House and Senate alongside questions about the Maduro operation.
- Danish defense analyst Thomas Crosbie argued that U.S. national security would gain no practical advantage from formally taking over Greenland because Washington already enjoys extensive security access as a trusted ally.
3:59 PM
Rand Paul says military action in Greenland "won't happen under my watch"
New information:
- Sen. Rand Paul said on 'CBS Mornings' that any U.S. military action to take Greenland 'won't happen under my watch' and vowed to 'do everything to stop any kind of military takeover of Greenland.'
- Paul endorsed the idea of a peaceful purchase of Greenland in principle, citing the Louisiana Purchase and Alaska as precedents, but said it must be voluntary and likely begin with a vote by Greenlandâs roughly 50,000 citizens declaring independence from Denmark.
- The White House, via press secretary Karoline Leavitt, reiterated that Trump is 'discussing a range of options' to acquire Greenland and that 'utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the commander-in-chief's disposal.'
- A lawmaker and a source familiar with a Tuesday briefing said Secretary of State Marco Rubio told members of Congress that Trump would pursue buying Greenland and 'not take it by force.'
- Paul tied his stance to a broader effort to reassert congressional war powers, noting he backed a war-powers resolution to limit Trumpâs Venezuela campaign and that the Senate is expected to take up another such resolution this week.
11:45 AM
Trump's Venezuela strategy draws scrutiny from Congress as Maduro sits in jail
New information:
- Denmark and Greenland publicly disclosed that prior requests for a sitâdown with Secretary of State Marco Rubio about U.S. Greenland plans were unsuccessful.
- They have now requested a new meeting 'in the near future' and released a statement on Greenlandâs government website calling on the U.S. to honor treaty obligations and respect Danish sovereignty.
- Their statement explicitly warns that any suggestion the U.S. would subject a NATO ally to coercion or external pressure undermines the allianceâs selfâdetermination principles.
- The White House has reaffirmed that it is actively discussing options including using the U.S. military to take Greenland by force, outright purchase from Denmark, or a compact of free association.
2:58 AM
6 countries where the "Don-roe Doctrine" may take Trump next
New information:
- Trump explicitly labeled his Western Hemisphere approach the 'Don-roe Doctrine,' declaring that 'American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again.'
- He reiterated that the U.S. 'needs' Greenland for national security, claiming it is 'covered with Russian and Chinese ships,' and said 'Denmark is not going to be able to do it.'
- The article reports that administration officials are discussing a 'range of options' to acquire Greenland, explicitly noting that use of military force is among the options under discussion.
- Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has been named special envoy to Greenland to represent U.S. interests there, and has publicly said he wants to 'make Greenland a part of the U.S.'
- Vice President JD Vance visited Greenland in March and said the expectation is that Greenland will first become independent of Denmark via 'self-determination,' after which the U.S. would 'have conversations' with Greenlanders.
- Greenlandâs Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen publicly dismissed annexation suggestions as 'fantasies' and told Trump 'That's enough now' in a social media post.
- European leaders issued a collective statement stressing that Arctic security must be achieved collectively through NATO and by upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity, implicitly rejecting U.S. annexation talk.
- Stephen Miller, asked on CNN if the U.S. might take Greenland by force, said 'There's no need to even think or talk about this' in military terms and claimed 'nobody's going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland.'
- Trump indicated a rough timeline by saying, 'we'll worry about Greenland in about two months' and 'Let's talk about Greenland in 20 days,' suggesting a nearâterm decision window.
January 06, 2026
10:09 PM
White House discussing "range of options" for acquiring Greenland, Leavitt says
New information:
- White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirms the administration is examining a 'wide range of options' for acquiring Greenland, explicitly including using the U.S. military to take the island by force.
- Leavitt specifies two nonâmilitary pathways under discussion: acquiring Greenland from Denmark outright or negotiating a compact of free association.
- President Trump wants the Greenland question 'settled before the end of his term,' adding a concrete timeline to the policy push.
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warns that any U.S. military move to seize Greenland would effectively mean 'the end of NATO,' stating that an American attack on a NATO ally would stop the alliance and its postâWorld War II security guarantees.
- The article reinforces that the U.S. already operates a base in Greenland but that Trump and aides still argue formal U.S. control is a 'national security priority' to deter adversaries in the Arctic.
9:38 PM
White House says 'range of options,' including US military, on table as Trump renews push to acquire Greenland
New information:
- White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that President Trump views acquiring Greenland as a 'national security priority' and that 'utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chiefâs disposal.'
- The article reports that Trump is 'renewing' pressure on Denmark over Greenlandâs strategic role in U.S. defense and missile detection, positioning acquisition as an active foreignâpolicy goal rather than a oneâoff remark.
- Arizona Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego announced a new bill explicitly aimed at preventing Trump from 'invading another country on a whim' over Greenland, citing the Maduro operation as evidence his threats canât be ignored.
- Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, recently named Trumpâs special envoy to Greenland, told CNBC that U.S. security should be a major concern and echoed Trumpâs argument that 'Denmark is not going to be able' to provide needed security for Greenland.
- The article notes coordinated statements from European leaders and Canada, via Reuters, reaffirming that Greenland belongs to its people and that only Denmark and Greenland can decide the islandâs future.
7:58 PM
Top Canadian officials to visit Greenland amid international fears as Trump eyes NATO-linked territory
New information:
- Canada will send Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Governor General Mary Simon to Greenland in early February and plans to open a Canadian consulate there.
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, meeting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at Canadaâs embassy in Paris on Jan. 6, 2026, stated that 'The future of Greenland and Denmark are decided solely by the people of Denmark.'
- Frederiksen publicly thanked Carney, emphasized working with NATO allies to secure the Arctic, and highlighted shared respect for national sovereignty.
- White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller told CNN that 'Nobody is going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland,' a remark that drew public criticism from leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the U.K.
- A joint statement from these European leaders and Frederiksen asserted 'Greenland belongs to its people' and that only Denmark and Greenland may decide its future.
- Trump again claimed on Air Force One that 'We need Greenland' for U.S. national security because it is 'covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place' and said Denmark could not handle its defense.
6:12 PM
Dem senator introduces bill to stop Trump from invading 'another country on a whim' over Greenland
New information:
- Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) has introduced legislation aimed at blocking President Trump from using military force to seize Greenland or attack Denmark, saying Congress must stop Trump 'before he invades another country on a whim.'
- Gallego frames the bill as part of a broader Democratic push to prevent Trump from taking further military action after the U.S. operation that captured Venezuelan President NicolĂĄs Maduro.
- White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller told CNN that Greenland 'should be part of the United States' and questioned 'by what right' Denmark asserts control over Greenland, characterizing it as a Danish 'colony.'
- Miller tied his argument to NATO, saying that because the U.S. is 'the power of NATO' and must secure the Arctic region to defend the alliance, 'obviously Greenland should be part of the United States.'
- Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen responded that Greenland is 'not an object of superpower rhetoric,' echoing but adding to earlier Danish criticism.
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that if the U.S. 'chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops. Including our NATO and thus the security that has been provided since the end of the Second World War,' directly linking any attack to a collapse of NATO cooperation.
5:12 PM
European leaders push back on Trump's comments about U.S. taking over Greenland
New information:
- Leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom joined Danish PM Mette Frederiksen in a joint statement saying "Greenland belongs to its people" and that only Denmark and Greenland may decide its future.
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly backed Denmark/Greenland and announced an earlyâFebruary visit to Greenland by Governor General Mary Simon and Foreign Minister Anita Anand.
- Trump is quoted telling reporters that "Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place" and that the U.S. "needs" Greenland for national security because "Denmark is not going to be able to do it."
- The article notes that U.S. recognition of Denmarkâs sovereignty over all of Greenland dates back to the early 20th century and that 2009 legislation extended selfâgovernment to Greenland while recognizing a right to independence.
5:06 PM
A U.S. takeover of Greenland would mark the end of NATO, Danish prime minister says
New information:
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told TV2 that if the United States 'chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops,' including NATO and the security it has provided since World War II, explicitly framing a U.S. takeover of Greenland as effectively ending the alliance.
- Frederiksen said Trump 'should be taken seriously' when he says he wants Greenland and that Denmark and Greenland 'will not accept a situation where we and Greenland are threatened in this way.'
- Trump, speaking to reporters Sunday on his flight back to Washington, again raised U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland and said 'let's talk about Greenland in 20 days,' deepening fears of nearâterm U.S. intervention.
- Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen publicly stated that Greenland 'cannot be compared to Venezuela,' insisted 'the situation is not such that the United States can simply conquer Greenland,' and urged calm and continued cooperation with Washington.
- Trump mocked Denmarkâs security posture in Greenland, saying the Danes have added 'one more dog sled' and claiming 'Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place,' arguing 'we need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it.'
- A Danish TV2 political journalist noted that Frederiksenâs rhetoric has escalated to the point that she now must publicly acknowledge the possibility of an American takeover scenario rather than simply reject it as impossible.
3:05 PM
Miller says no one would stop U.S. from seizing Greenland
New information:
- Identifies White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller as the senior U.S. official making the latest Greenland comments, in a CNN interview with Jake Tapper.
- Quotes Miller saying 'obviously, Greenland should be part of the United States' and asserting there is 'no need' to discuss the president's desire for Greenland in 'the context ⌠of a military operation.'
- Reports Millerâs statement that 'Nobody is going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland,' framing U.S. power as governed by 'strength,' 'force' and 'power.'
- Links the spike in European concern to former Trump official Katie Millerâs socialâmedia image of Greenland covered with a U.S. flag captioned 'SOON' after the Venezuela operation.
- Details that Nordic leaders (including Swedenâs PM Ulf Kristersson) and a broader group of European leaders issued coordinated statements explicitly backing Denmark and Greenland and emphasizing that 'Greenland belongs to its people' and only Denmark and Greenland may decide its future.
- Quotes Greenland PM JensâFrederik Nielsen condemning Washington rhetoric and insisting Greenland 'is not an object of superpower rhetoric' but 'a people, a land, and democracy' requiring respect 'especially by close and loyal friends.'
1:20 PM
U.S. NATO allies say "Greenland belongs to its people"
New information:
- Leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the U.K. and Greenland issued a joint statement on Tuesday declaring 'Greenland belongs to its people' and affirming that only Denmark and Greenland can decide matters concerning Greenland.
- The joint statement frames Arctic security as a collective NATO endeavor based on the U.N. Charter principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders, explicitly tying these to the Greenland issue.
- White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller told CNN that it is 'the formal position of the U.S. government... that Greenland should be part of the United States' and argued that 'for the United States to secure the Arctic region... obviously Greenland should be part of the United States.'
- Miller said there is 'no need' to think about military force for Greenlandâs future and asserted 'nobody's going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland.'
- The alliesâ statement highlights increased European presence and investments in the Arctic and underscores that the U.S. remains an 'essential partner' via NATO and the 1951 U.S.âDenmark defense agreement, even as they reject U.S. annexation rhetoric.
12:37 PM
Trump Greenland takeover would end NATO, Denmark asserts
New information:
- White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller told CNN that Greenland 'should be part of the United States' and questioned 'by what right' Denmark asserts control, calling Greenland a 'colony of Denmark.'
- Miller framed U.S. control of Greenland as necessary 'to secure the Arctic region, to protect and defend NATO and NATO interests.'
- Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a public statement saying Greenland is 'not an object of superpower rhetoric,' rejecting 'threats, pressure and talk of annexation' and insisting Greenland is 'a people, a land, and democracy.'
- European and Nordic leaders including Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Denmarkâs ambassador to the U.S. Jesper Møller Sørensen publicly reiterated support for Denmarkâs sovereignty over Greenland and said Greenlandâs future must be determined by Greenland and Denmark alone.
- Frederiksen, in a TV2 interview, explicitly said that if the U.S. chose to attack another NATO country militarily over Greenland, 'everything stops. Including our NATO and thus the security that has been provided since the end of the Second World War.'
7:26 AM
Danish prime minister says a US takeover of Greenland would mark the end of NATO
New information:
- Mette Frederiksen told Danish broadcaster TV2 that if the United States 'chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops... including our NATO,' explicitly tying any U.S. move to seize Greenland to the potential end of the alliance.
- Frederiksen said Trump 'should be taken seriously' on Greenland and stated that Denmark and Greenland 'will not accept a situation where we and Greenland are threatened in this way.'
- Trump told reporters 'let's talk about Greenland in 20 days,' deepening Danish and Greenlandic fears of a nearâterm U.S. intervention.
- Greenlandic Prime Minister JensâFrederik Nielsen said at a news conference that 'the situation is not such that the United States can simply conquer Greenland,' and urged residents to stay calm while emphasizing cooperation.
- The article links the renewed U.S. calls for control of Greenland directly to the recent U.S. nightâtime military operation in Caracas that captured NicolĂĄs Maduro, heightening concern in Denmark and Greenland about possible U.S. use of force.
January 05, 2026
1:13 PM
Trump warns 'sick' South American leader, reiterates 'we need Greenland' for national security
New information:
- Reports Trump, aboard Air Force One, called Colombia 'very sick' and claimed President Gustavo Petro 'likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States' and has 'cocaine mills and cocaine factories.'
- When asked if there will be a U.S. operation in Colombia, Trump replied, 'It sounds good to me,' linking his rhetoric to potential U.S. action there.
- Provides Trumpâs fresh justification for acquiring Greenland: 'We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security⌠Itâs so strategic,' and that 'Denmark is not going to be able to do it.'
- Includes a detailed statement from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stressing that Denmark and Greenland are NATO members already under alliance guarantees, urging the U.S. to stop threats against a close ally.
- Notes explicit support for Denmarkâs sovereignty over Greenland from Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Denmarkâs ambassador to the U.S., Jesper Møller Sørensen.
- Quotes Greenlandic Prime Minister JensâFrederik Nielsen condemning Trumpâs annexation rhetoric as 'disrespectful' and insisting Greenland is 'a people. A land. And democracy,' not an object of 'superpower rhetoric.'
1:20 AM
Prime ministers of Greenland, Denmark tell Trump to stop U.S. takeover threats
New information:
- Identifies Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen by name and quotes his Facebook post calling Trumpâs comments tying Greenland to Venezuela and military intervention 'so disrespectful.'
- Specifies that Trump renewed his call for U.S. control of Greenland in a Sunday interview with The Atlantic about the U.S. raid and capture of Venezuelan leader NicolĂĄs Maduro, saying 'We do need Greenland, absolutely' and 'We need it for defense.'
- Notes that Frederiksenâs and Nielsenâs new statements explicitly tell Trump to stop threatening to take over Greenland and stress that the U.S. has 'no right to annex any of the three countries in the Danish kingdom.'
- Adds that rightâwing podcaster and former Trump aide Katie Miller posted an image of Greenland draped in the U.S. flag with the caption 'SOON' after the raid, underscoring domestic amplification of annexation rhetoric.
January 04, 2026