President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw all American troops from Europe if Nato allies persist in opposing his ambition to annex Greenland, escalating tensions at a crucial Nato summit in Turkey.
Trump Renews Claim to Greenland
Speaking at the summit in Ankara, Trump renewed his controversial claim to the semi-autonomous Danish territory, arguing it should be "controlled by the United States, not by Denmark." He cited national security concerns, claiming the mineral-rich Arctic island is "surrounded by China ships and Russian ships."
Trump said, "That's what hurt my relationship with Nato, because Greenland doesn't help Denmark. Denmark doesn't spend money to really help Greenland, but it's an important part for the United States." His claims of foreign threats have been challenged.
Troop Withdrawal Threat
Trump suggested the US could remove all soldiers from Europe, stating, "We don't have to spend any money, we could remove all of our soldiers out of Europe, because, as you probably noticed, Europe's a very different place than it was 20 years ago." He warned European allies to be "careful with immigration and energy," adding, "If they're not careful with those two things, you're not going to have a Europe anymore."
European Leaders Push Back
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has joined other European leaders in supporting Denmark, insisting they would "not stop defending" Greenland's territorial integrity. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said, "The future of Greenland is up to the people of Greenland and of Denmark, and not up to the US president. I've been very clear about that ever since it was first suggested."
Wider Nato Tensions
Greenland is one of several flashpoints in fraught US-Nato relations. Trump recently criticized allies' defence budgets, claiming Washington bankrolls other countries "without getting any benefit." US defence secretary Pete Hegseth announced a review of American forces in Europe, questioning if some members meet spending commitments and suggesting they "seem to think the era of free-riding is here."
Tensions have also risen over Trump's view that allies lack support for his war against Iran. He has cast doubt on America's commitment to Nato, branding it "a paper tiger."
