A stark three-word warning from Donald Trump has sent fresh shockwaves through NATO, as the US President once again refused to rule out extreme measures to secure Greenland.
Speaking at a White House press briefing marking the first anniversary of his second term, President Trump was asked how far he would be willing to go in his bid to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish territory. His response was blunt and ominous: “You’ll find out.”
The remark comes as Trump continues to insist that Greenland is vital to US national security, citing perceived threats from Russia and China. Despite Greenland being a Danish territory recognised by the United States and having a history stretching back hundreds of years before America’s founding, the President has repeatedly argued that control of the island is necessary for defence purposes.
Trump has previously described Greenland as essential for “security reasons” and, on one occasion, claimed it was needed for “psychological” reasons. He has consistently declined to clarify whether military force could be used to take control of the territory, prompting growing concern among America’s European allies.
The latest comments were delivered during a press conference at the White House, where Trump was marking one year since the start of his second term. His stance has drawn strong opposition from European leaders, particularly Denmark, and has raised fears of a major rupture within NATO.
Tensions escalated further over the weekend after Trump warned that European countries opposing his Greenland plans could face economic consequences. He announced that the United States would impose 10% tariffs on imports from several European nations, including the UK.
The President later confirmed that from February, a 10% import tax will be applied to goods from eight European countries that have publicly backed Denmark following his renewed push for the US to take over Greenland.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticised the move, describing the proposed tariffs as “a mistake, especially between long-standing allies”. She also questioned Trump’s reliability, noting that he had agreed last year not to impose further tariffs on members of the European Union.
Trump has also linked his hardline position to last year’s decision not to award him the Nobel Peace Prize. In a message to European officials made public this week, he told Norway’s Prime Minister that he no longer felt “an obligation to think purely of Peace”.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre responded on Monday by stating that Norway’s government has no influence over the Nobel Peace Prize selection process. Trump dismissed the claim during his White House appearance, insisting that Norway ultimately controls the decision.
“And don’t let anyone tell you that Norway doesn’t control the shots,” he said. “It’s in Norway.”
The President spent more than an hour at the White House podium defending his first year back in office, as European leaders addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos. Speaking at the event, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned that “American hegemony” has reshaped global politics, adding that the “old order is not coming back”.
Trump’s latest comments are expected to intensify diplomatic strain between the United States and its NATO allies, as uncertainty continues over how far the President is prepared to go in pursuit of Greenland.
