Transatlantic relations are at an all time low as U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies his push to bring Greenland under American control. The semi-autonomous
Danish territory has become the center of sharp diplomatic friction. Trump has refused to rule out forceful measures and even threatened tariffs on European allies who resist. Denmark, caught in the middle, is taking deliberate steps to strengthen its defenses while carefully navigating its alliance with Washington. Denmark has moved quickly to reinforce its military footprint on the island. According to reports from local media, a significant number of Danish combat soldiers are scheduled to arrive in Kangerlussuaq, home to Greenland's primary international airport, on Monday evening.
Here is What You Need to Know
Already, around 100 Danish troops have deployed to Nuuk, the capital, with a similar contingent now stationed in western Greenland. These forces are participating in the Arctic Endurance training exercise, which focuses on protecting key infrastructure, supporting local authorities, welcoming allied personnel, and carrying out air and naval activities.Maj. Gen. Søren Andersen, Denmark's top military officer in the Arctic, has described the buildup as a measured, long-term effort. He explained that the soldiers could remain for one or two years, with plans underway to rotate troops through 2026 and beyond, as per a report from Reuters. European officers recently completed a reconnaissance visit to evaluate year-round training possibilities, and more capabilities are expected to arrive as early as March.
Interestingly, Andersen has stressed that these moves address potential Russian threats in the region, not any danger from the United States.
Turning to NATO for Broader Support?
On the diplomatic front, Denmark is seeking to rally its NATO partners. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels on Monday and proposed a NATO mission focused on Greenland and the wider Arctic.Read more: Donald Trump Wants Greenland, But Do Americans Too? What Latest Opinion Poll Says
Poulsen described the idea as having been "noted" by Rutte. He called Trump's repeated threats "really, really hurtful" but stressed that the alliance cannot risk a complete break with Washington. "If the Americans withdraw from NATO tomorrow, we will have a huge challenge in fending for ourselves," he told reporters.
