The United States has operated military bases in Greenland since 1941, under agreements with Denmark. On January 15, 2026, for the first time, NATO allies deployed troops to the island not to reinforce American presence but to counter it—Germany, France, Norway, and Sweden sending personnel after U.S.-Danish talks collapsed over American demands to acquire the territory.
The deployments, framed as preparation for a Danish-led exercise called Operation Arctic Endurance, represent an unprecedented fracture within NATO: European allies coordinating military presence to signal opposition to Washington's stated territorial ambitions against a fellow member state. Denmark's defense minister announced plans for a permanent military rotation system, while seven European leaders issued a joint statement that Greenland 'belongs to its people.'
Denmark's unified command for Greenland and Faroe Islands operations, now hosting allied forces for Operation Arctic Endurance.
Timeline
European NATO Allies Deploy Troops to Greenland
Military
Germany sent 13 reconnaissance personnel, France deployed 15 mountain infantry soldiers, and Sweden and Norway sent officers for Operation Arctic Endurance.
White House Talks Collapse After 50 Minutes
Diplomatic
Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers met Vance and Rubio. Denmark reported a 'fundamental disagreement' remained unresolved.
Denmark Announces Permanent Greenland Military Presence
Military
Defense Minister Poulsen announced expanded Danish military presence through a NATO rotation system, citing unpredictable security conditions.
Greenland PM: 'We Choose Denmark'
Statement
PM Nielsen declared that if forced to choose between the U.S. and Denmark, Greenland chooses Denmark and NATO.
Trump: 'Easy Way or Hard Way'
Statement
Trump stated the U.S. will take action on Greenland 'whether they like it or not,' threatening 'very high' tariffs on Denmark.
White House Confirms Military Option 'Always Available'
Statement
The White House acknowledged active discussions on acquiring Greenland and stated military force remains an option.
Seven European Leaders Defend Greenland Sovereignty
Diplomatic
Leaders of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the UK issued a joint statement declaring Greenland 'belongs to its people.'
Trump Appoints Louisiana Governor as Greenland Envoy
Diplomatic
Jeff Landry became the first U.S. special envoy to Greenland. Denmark summoned the U.S. ambassador to explain the appointment.
VP Vance Visits Greenland; Protests Erupt
Diplomatic
Vice President Vance visited Nuuk, accusing Denmark of underinvesting in Arctic defense. About 1,000 Greenlanders protested.
Greenland Elects New Government Focused on Independence
Political
Jens-Frederik Nielsen's Democrats won Greenland's election, where independence was the central issue. Nielsen became the youngest PM in Greenlandic history.
Trump Returns to Office, Revives Greenland Ambitions
Political
Upon returning to the presidency, Trump renewed push to acquire Greenland, now adding threats of tariffs and military action.
Trump Floats Greenland Purchase; Denmark Rejects
Diplomatic
President Trump confirmed interest in purchasing Greenland, calling it 'essentially a large real estate deal.' Denmark called the idea 'absurd.'
Greenland Self-Government Act Takes Effect
Legal
Denmark granted Greenland expanded autonomy, including a legal pathway to independence through referendum and parliamentary consent.
U.S.-Denmark Defense Agreement Signed
Legal
The Greenland Defense Agreement formalized U.S. military access under the NATO framework, allowing construction of Thule Air Base.
Truman Offers Denmark $100 Million for Greenland
Diplomatic
President Truman offered Denmark $100 million in gold for Greenland following WWII. Denmark declined.
U.S. Occupies Greenland After Nazi Invasion of Denmark
Military
After Germany occupied Denmark, the U.S. took control of Greenland to prevent Nazi access, establishing the foundation for American military presence.
Scenarios
1
Working Group Produces Framework Agreement
Discussed by: Atlantic Council analysts, Danish foreign ministry officials
The U.S.-Denmark working group established January 14 produces a framework expanding American security cooperation without transferring sovereignty. This could include enhanced basing rights, joint resource development, and formalized consultation mechanisms. Denmark commits to sustained Arctic defense investment while the U.S. secures operational access without the political and legal complexities of acquisition.
2
U.S. Imposes Tariffs, Economic Standoff Escalates
Discussed by: ABN AMRO economic analysts, trade law experts at Pillsbury
Trump uses emergency powers to impose targeted tariffs on Danish exports, potentially including Novo Nordisk's Ozempic. Denmark retaliates through EU mechanisms. A 2024 study estimated 10% U.S. tariffs would reduce Danish GDP by 3%. Economic pressure mounts but neither side concedes, creating a prolonged standoff that strains NATO cohesion without resolution.
3
Greenland Accelerates Independence Timeline
Discussed by: Chatham House researchers, Greenlandic independence advocates
U.S. pressure paradoxically strengthens Greenland's independence movement. Polls show 84% of Greenlanders support eventual independence. The government advances constitutional preparations, arguing that independent Greenland could negotiate directly with Washington from a stronger position while maintaining EU association. Denmark acquiesces rather than face continued crisis.
4
Military Confrontation at NATO Base
Discussed by: Foreign Affairs analysts, Just Security legal experts
The U.S. attempts to expand operations at Pituffik Space Base beyond existing agreements, triggering a standoff with Danish and European forces. No shots fired, but the incident forces NATO's hand—either expelling the U.S. or fracturing entirely. Legal experts note Article 5 would technically obligate allies to assist Denmark against American aggression.
Historical Context
Suez Crisis (1956)
October-November 1956
What Happened
Britain, France, and Israel invaded Egypt after President Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal. The United States, despite being Britain and France's closest ally, opposed the operation and threatened to withdraw support for the British pound unless Prime Minister Eden ordered a ceasefire.
Outcome
Short Term
Britain and France withdrew within weeks. The crisis humiliated both powers and ended Anthony Eden's career.
Long Term
Demonstrated that European powers could no longer pursue independent foreign policy without American consent. Marked the effective end of British and French colonial power projection.
Why It's Relevant Today
The Greenland dispute inverts the Suez dynamic: European allies now coordinating to constrain American territorial ambitions rather than the reverse. Both crises test whether alliance solidarity can survive when members pursue conflicting strategic objectives.
Cyprus Crisis and Greek NATO Withdrawal (1974)
July-August 1974
What Happened
Turkey invaded Cyprus after a Greek-backed coup attempted to unite the island with Greece. Both were NATO members. NATO had no mechanism to adjudicate the dispute; U.S. diplomatic pressure, not Alliance action, imposed a ceasefire.
Outcome
Short Term
Greece withdrew from NATO's integrated military structure in protest of Alliance inaction. The U.S. imposed an arms embargo on Turkey.
Long Term
Greece rejoined in 1980, but Cyprus remains divided. The crisis demonstrated NATO cannot resolve conflicts between members—only external pressure from the dominant ally can.
Why It's Relevant Today
The only modern precedent for near-conflict between NATO members. In 1974, the U.S. was the external force restraining allies. In 2026, the U.S. is the aggressor, and no equivalent restraining power exists within the Alliance.
Truman's Greenland Purchase Attempt (1946)
1946
What Happened
Following WWII, during which the U.S. defended Greenland and established bases there, President Truman offered Denmark $100 million in gold for the island. Secretary of State James Byrnes presented the offer formally.
Outcome
Short Term
Denmark rejected the offer, and the matter was dropped without further pressure.
Long Term
The 1951 Greenland Defense Agreement provided the U.S. military access under NATO's framework, achieving security objectives without sovereignty transfer.
Why It's Relevant Today
Demonstrates that American interest in Greenland predates Trump by 80 years. The difference: Truman accepted 'no' and pursued cooperation instead. Trump has explicitly rejected this approach.
