President Donald Trump is once again drawing international attention after declining to answer a critical question about U.S. policy toward Greenland — leaving allies, critics, and voters debating what comes next.
During a brief phone interview with NBC News on Monday, Trump was asked directly whether the United States could use military force to secure Greenland. His response was short and deliberate:
“No comment.”
Rather than elaborate, Trump shifted focus to Europe’s security challenges, arguing that European leaders should prioritize the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine instead of criticizing U.S. actions in the Arctic.
“Europe ought to focus on the war with Russia and Ukraine,” Trump said. “That’s what they should be focused on — not Greenland.”
Tariff Threats Signal Escalation
Over the weekend, Trump sharply escalated his rhetoric, framing Greenland as vital to American and NATO security interests in the Arctic. He announced plans to impose sweeping tariffs on several NATO allies involved in recent Arctic military exercises, which he described as hostile to U.S. interests.
Trump said the U.S. would impose a 10% tariff starting February 1 on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Finland. He warned those tariffs would rise to 25% by June 1 unless negotiations over Greenland move forward.
The eight European nations responded Sunday with a joint statement condemning the tariff threats and reaffirming their shared commitment to Arctic security.
Trump made clear the warning was not symbolic.
“I will, 100%, follow through,” he told NBC News, saying the tariffs would remain until a deal is reached.
Trump Blasts NATO Inaction
Trump followed up Sunday night on Truth Social, accusing Denmark and NATO of ignoring long-standing security risks in the Arctic.
“For 20 years, NATO has warned Denmark about the Russian threat near Greenland,” Trump wrote. “Unfortunately, nothing was done. Now it’s time.”
The comments reflect Trump’s long-standing criticism that the U.S. carries an unfair share of NATO’s defense burden while European allies fail to act decisively.
Republicans Raise Legal Concerns
Some Republicans agreed with Trump that Greenland holds strategic importance but warned that military action would raise serious constitutional and alliance issues.
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner acknowledged the security concerns but emphasized limits on presidential authority.
“There are legitimate Arctic security issues,” Turner said. “But the president does not have authority to seize territory from a NATO ally using military force.”
Former House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul issued an even stronger warning, saying such an action could trigger NATO’s Article 5 defense clause.
“A purchase is one thing,” McCaul said. “A military invasion would essentially place us at war with NATO itself.”
Trump Puts America First
In a private message sent Sunday night to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Trump defended his hard-line stance, arguing that U.S. national interests must come first.
“I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of peace,” Trump wrote, while stressing that peace remains important. He questioned Denmark’s historical claim to Greenland and argued that Europe cannot adequately protect the territory from Russia or China.
“I have done more for NATO than any leader since its founding,” Trump added. “Now NATO should do something for the United States. The world is not secure unless America has complete and total control of Greenland.”