In a dramatic escalation of transatlantic tensions, former US President Donald Trump has forcefully reiterated his administration's determination to take control of Greenland, directly linking the territory's future to American security guarantees for Ukraine.
A Direct Threat and a Diplomatic Firestorm
The renewed push came overnight, just hours after European leaders began coordinating a response to new US tariffs. Trump took to social media, stating: "Nato has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that 'you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland.' Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!"
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed this aggressive stance, telling NBC that "Europeans project weakness, US projects strength." He explicitly connected Greenland's status to broader security, saying, "The president believes enhanced security is not possible without Greenland being part of the US."
In a move that sent shockwaves through European capitals, Bessent then tied the issue to the war in Ukraine, warning: "What would happen in Ukraine if the US pulled its support out? The whole thing would collapse." He predicted European leaders would ultimately acquiesce, understanding their need for the US security umbrella.
A Nobel Snub and an Explosive Letter
Perhaps the most startling revelation on Monday, 19 January 2026, came from a letter Trump sent to Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. First reported by PBS's Nick Schifrin, the letter cited Norway's decision not to award Trump the Nobel Peace Prize "for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS."
Trump wrote: "I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace." He added that while peace would remain predominant, he could now focus on "what is good and proper for the United States of America." The Norwegian PM confirmed the letter's authenticity to VG newspaper, noting it was a reply to an earlier message he sent with Finland's president.
In the same letter, Trump doubled down on Greenland, questioning Denmark's historical claim and asserting, "The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland."
Europe Scrambles as Crisis Dominates Agenda
The issue is set to dominate the news agenda today. Key developments include:
- European leaders coordinating their next steps ahead of an extraordinary EU summit expected on Thursday.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer convening a special emergency press conference this morning.
- A meeting between Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Rutte, often seen as one of Trump's closest European partners, struck an unusually terse tone after a Sunday night call with the president. His readout simply stated he "spoke with @POTUS regarding the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic" and looked forward to seeing him in Davos later this week.
The combined pressure—linking Greenland, Ukraine aid, and referencing a perceived Nobel prize snub—marks a significant hardening of the US position, leaving European diplomacy facing one of its most severe tests in recent years.
