Danish PM Rejects Trump’s Greenland Sale Proposal at NATO Summit, Vows Full Defense

On the second day of the NATO summit in Turkey, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a firm rejection of U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated proposal to buy or take control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. Frederiksen declared that Greenland is "of course not for sale" and emphasized Denmark's readiness to defend every inch of NATO territory, including its own kingdom. She referenced NATO's Article 5 mutual defense clause, underscoring the alliance's commitment to collective security.

Trump has pushed the idea of acquiring Greenland since his first term, citing the island's strategic location and rich mineral resources. He argues that if control over Greenland's surrounding sea routes falls to Russia, it would threaten U.S. security. Despite the islanders' lack of interest in independence or joining the U.S., Trump has suggested Washington should govern Greenland, even hinting at the possibility of force.

The summit's second day also saw surprise U.S. military strikes against Iran, targeting the regime in response to recent attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. These actions, announced shortly after Trump dined with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, shifted some focus away from the summit's main agenda: Trump's demand for NATO members to significantly increase defense spending. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg supported the strikes as necessary, highlighting Iran's violation of a ceasefire.

NATO leaders are expected to revisit the issue of defense investment, with Trump pressing for European members to meet agreed targets of 5% of GDP on defense and infrastructure to enhance military mobility. Recent NATO data shows countries like Slovenia, Belgium, Spain, and the Czech Republic still fall short of the older 2% GDP defense spending goal. The Trump administration aims to create a "NATO 3.0," a stronger alliance where Europe assumes greater responsibility for its own security, including defending Ukraine, while the U.S. maintains its nuclear umbrella.