Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has issued a stark warning that any American attempt to seize Greenland would trigger the collapse of the NATO alliance. The caution comes as US President Donald Trump intensifies his rhetoric about acquiring the mineral-rich, semi-autonomous Danish territory.
NATO's Foundation Under Threat
In a grave assessment, Frederiksen stated that President Trump's expressed desire for Greenland must be taken 'seriously'. She declared that a US military attack on another NATO member state would bring the Western security pact, established after the Second World War, to an abrupt halt. 'Everything stops, including NATO and thus the security that has been established since the end of the Second World War,' she asserted.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer broke his silence on the issue, aligning himself firmly with Denmark. 'I stand with her, and she's right about the future of Greenland,' Starmer stated, emphasising that only 'Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark' should decide the territory's future. His comments marked a rare divergence from Washington following years of careful diplomacy aimed at not antagonising the Trump administration.
Global Ripples from Venezuela Operation
The heightened tensions follow President Trump's dramatic military operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, codenamed 'Operation Absolute Resolve', which led to the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro. The raid has sent shockwaves through international relations, prompting Trump to issue brash threats against several other nations.
A British defence source reportedly placed a '30 per cent chance' on President Trump attempting to annex Greenland, despite its protected status under the NATO treaty. The Trump administration has long coveted Greenland for its strategic Arctic location and vast reserves of rare earth minerals critical for technology manufacturing.
The situation has exposed divisions within the UK government. While the Prime Minister refused to criticise the Venezuela raid, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper signalled tension by confirming the UK does not recognise the interim Venezuelan regime led by Maduro's deputy. Former defence secretary Sir Ben Wallace criticised the government's response, accusing it of 'clucking around like headless chickens' and damaging UK leadership.
Expanding List of Potential Targets
President Trump's interventionist stance, dubbed the 'Donroe Doctrine' in reference to the Monroe Doctrine, appears to be expanding. Following the Venezuela operation, he has explicitly threatened or suggested possible US action against several countries:
Iran: Trump threatened to hit Iran 'very hard' if its authorities continued a harsh crackdown on domestic protests, with a likelihood of US action rated 4/5.
Colombia: Trump labelled leftist President Gustavo Petro a 'sick man' who 'likes making cocaine', prompting Petro to retort that he was prepared to 'take up arms' to repel an invasion. Likelihood of action: 2/5.
Mexico: The President stated he would be 'OK' with launching strikes against drug cartels inside Mexico, an idea firmly rejected by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Likelihood: 2/5.
Cuba, Canada, Panama Canal, Nigeria, Brazil, Yemen, and South Africa have also been subjects of Trump's threats or punitive economic measures in recent months, though the assessed likelihood of direct military action varies.
Public opinion in Britain reflects unease, with a snap YouGov poll finding public disapproval of Trump's Venezuela intervention by a margin of 51% to 21%. As Prime Minister Starmer prepares for talks in Paris on a Ukraine peace coalition, the discussions are now likely to be dominated by growing European concerns over President Trump's aggressive realpolitik approach to global affairs and its direct challenge to the post-war international order.
