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NATO eases tensions as Trump backs down on Greenland demands
After days of escalating rhetoric, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte appears to have persuaded U.S. President Donald Trump to abandon his sudden push for control over Greenland, sources indicate.
How the crisis unfolded
Earlier this month, following a military operation in Venezuela, Trump intensified his focus on Greenland, making repeated assertions of U.S. ownership and threatening economic and military consequences for European allies. The remarks sparked alarm across NATO, with leaders fearing a fracture in transatlantic relations.
Denmark, which holds sovereignty over the autonomous territory, had previously expressed openness to an expanded U.S. military presence. However, Trump's aggressive stance-including demands for access to Greenland's mineral resources-created a diplomatic firestorm.
Diplomatic breakthrough
The standoff began to de-escalate last week during a Washington visit by Denmark's and Greenland's foreign ministers. The meetings concluded with an agreement to form a working group to discuss Greenland's future, though details remain scarce.
According to unnamed officials cited by The New York Times, one proposal under consideration would involve Denmark ceding sovereignty over small areas of Greenland to the U.S. for military bases, similar to the UK's arrangement in Cyprus. Neither Denmark nor NATO has confirmed these reports.
"The discussions will focus on Arctic security through collective efforts, particularly among the seven Arctic Allies, to prevent Russia and China from gaining economic or military influence in Greenland,"
NATO statement
Fallout and lingering questions
While the immediate crisis has subsided, the episode has left lasting damage. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described it as a "rupture," warning that the pre-crisis order "is not coming back." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the events a "seismic change," advocating for greater European strategic autonomy.
Critics question why a two-week diplomatic frenzy was necessary to reach a compromise Denmark had long supported. Observers note that Trump's abrupt shift in tone-from threats to cooperation-mirrors his unpredictable negotiating style, leaving allies wary of future disputes.
What's next
Details of the agreement are expected to emerge in the coming days. NATO has pledged to strengthen its Arctic presence, though specifics on military bases or resource-sharing remain unconfirmed. The episode underscores the fragility of transatlantic ties under Trump's leadership, with European leaders now prioritizing self-reliance.
