Trump Demands Greenland Control and Threatens NATO Troop Withdrawal

During a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, from July 7 to 10, 2026, Donald Trump revived demands for the United States to acquire and control Greenland. He argued the territory is a vital security asset necessary to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, claiming Denmark has failed to invest sufficiently in the region. Trump linked the potential for maintaining U.S. military forces in Europe to a deal for the island, suggesting the U.S. could remove all soldiers from the continent if allies continued to oppose the acquisition.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic officials repeatedly rejected the proposal, stating the territory is not for sale and emphasizing the right to self-determination. The European Commission and leaders from the UK, Finland, Norway, and Iceland expressed solidarity with Denmark, dismissing the threats as rhetorical or blackmail. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte attempted to mediate, acknowledging valid Arctic security concerns while referencing previous framework agreements made in Davos to enhance regional security.

The summit was further strained by Trump's criticism of NATO defense spending, where he demanded members increase spending to at least 5 percent of GDP. He also expressed frustration over the lack of support during a U.S. conflict with Iran, which coincided with U.S. Central Command launching strikes against Iranian military facilities following attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. While Trump threatened trade sanctions against Spain, he strengthened ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, announcing the lifting of sanctions to potentially allow F-35 fighter jet sales to Turkey.