Bipartisan Push to Block Greenland Invasion

Trump’s renewed push to acquire Greenland has exposed a dangerous fracture within NATO, as European allies rally to defend Danish sovereignty while bipartisan U.S. lawmakers scramble to prevent an unprecedented invasion of allied territory. The crisis is testing the alliance’s fundamental Article 5 mutual defense principles and raising fears of a catastrophic breakdown in Western security cooperation.

Story Overview

  • European allies and Canada issue unified support for Denmark amid Trump’s military threats against Greenland
  • Bipartisan U.S. lawmakers introduce emergency legislation to prevent the invasion of NATO territories
  • Denmark warns NATO could collapse if America attacks an allied nation
  • Trump cites Chinese and Russian Arctic presence as justification for territorial acquisition

NATO Crisis Emerges as Allies Choose Sides

European capitals issued unprecedented statements defending Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland following Trump’s explicit military threats. UK Prime Minister Starmer, along with leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and Canada, rallied behind Denmark on January 13, 2026. Norwegian Foreign Minister Eide warned that a U.S. takeover would “break the NATO idea.” This marks the first time in NATO’s 77-year history that members have aligned against American territorial ambitions targeting an ally.

Congressional Republicans Break with Trump on Greenland

House lawmakers introduced bipartisan legislation to bar U.S. invasion of NATO territories, with Republican Don Bacon joining Democrats Bill Keating and Brendan Boyle. Representative Keating stated the bill protects America’s “fundamental security” by preserving alliance integrity. This rare bipartisan pushback against Trump reflects growing concern that military action would destroy decades of strategic partnerships essential for countering Russia, China, and Iran globally.

Arctic Resources Drive Strategic Competition

Trump’s interest stems from Greenland’s vast rare earth deposits critical for defense technology and its strategic Arctic position. The territory holds minerals essential for advanced weaponry and communications systems while providing access to newly opened shipping routes from climate change. Denmark has invested nearly $5 billion in Arctic defense since 2025, welcoming increased U.S. military presence and business partnerships as alternatives to territorial seizure.

Danish Leadership Warns of Alliance Collapse

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that NATO could face its “darkest hour” if America invades allied territory. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen firmly declared the autonomous territory “not for sale” under any circumstances. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte declined Trump’s request for alliance assistance in acquiring Greenland, instead emphasizing collective Arctic security against Russian and Chinese threats. Denmark’s loyalty as a founding NATO member, including significant casualties in Afghanistan, adds weight to their sovereignty claims.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio signals a preference for diplomatic negotiation over military action, providing hope for a peaceful resolution. However, Trump’s explicit threats represent an unprecedented challenge to Article 5 mutual defense principles that have anchored Western security for generations. The crisis tests whether America’s pursuit of strategic resources justifies fracturing alliances essential for global stability against authoritarian adversaries.

Watch the report: European Allies Rally to Greenland’s Support Amid Trump’s Takeover Threat | WION News

Sources:

Trump’s quest for Greenland could be NATO’s darkest hour

European allies back Denmark over Trump’s threat to annex Greenland

Greenland allies vow action if Trump moves to seize world’s largest island

Greenland and US annexation threats