Donald Trump has sensationally claimed to be the saviour of NATO as fears in the defence alliance over his plans to seize Greenland skyrocket.
Posting on Truth the President Trump said “I’m the one who saved NATO” as it is understood he previously said China or Russia “will take Greenland”.
According to NBC reporter Jennifer Jacobs post on X, Trump said: “If we don’t take Greenland, Russia or China will, and I’m not letting that happen. If we don’t take Greenland, Russia or China will take Greenland. I’d love to make a deal with them. It’s easier. But one way or the other, we’re going to have Greenland.”
Through social media, NATO countered with a social media post stating: “Training in the Arctic. NATO sea forces are practising together in the harsh conditions of the far north to keep this strategically important region safe.”
The UK is working with NATO allies to bolster security in the Arctic and is in discussions with them allies about bolstering security in the Arctic to counter threats from Russia and China, according to a government minister on Sunday.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said discussions about securing the High North against Russia and China were part of Nato’s “business as usual” rather than a response to the US military threat.
But Ms Alexander told BBC One’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg the report “possibly reads something more into business as usual discussions amongst Nato allies than there actually are.” She also said the UK agreed with President Trump that the Arctic Circle “is becoming an increasingly contested part of the world with the ambitions of [Vladimir] Putin and China”.
Greenland, home to approximately 57,000 residents, relies on Denmark for its defence, though Denmark’s military pales in comparison to that of the United States, which maintains a military installation on the island. Denmark’s prime minister has cautioned that any takeover would pose a threat to NATO.
It remains uncertain how other NATO members would react should the United States attempt to seize control of the island by force, or whether they would rally to Denmark’s defence.
Former UK ambassador to the US Lord Peter Mandelson said he did not believe Mr Trump would use the military against a Nato ally.
“President Trump is not going to land on Greenland, take Greenland by force,” he said.
“He’s not a fool. What’s going to happen is there’s going to be a lot of discussion, a lot of consultation, a lot of negotiation and at the end of the day, we are all going to have to wake up to the reality that the Arctic needs securing against China and Russia.”
