Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told residents and authorities on Tuesday that they need to begin preparing for a potential military invasion, even if such a scenario remains unlikely. “It’s not likely there will be a military conflict, but it can’t be ruled out,” Nielsen said during a press conference in Nuuk, putting Greenlanders on alert as President Donald Trump continues to push for control of the island.
Trump has repeatedly emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance, citing its Arctic location and natural resources as critical to “national security.” Earlier this week, he told Norway’s prime minister he wants “complete and total control” of Greenland and warned that European nations opposing his plans could face new tariffs. He also signaled a willingness to move beyond “purely peace” in pursuit of his goal, linking it to the fact that he has not received a Nobel Peace Prize.
The U.S. already maintains a military presence in Greenland through NATO, but Trump’s repeated statements have heightened tensions both in Europe and at home. European leaders quickly pushed back. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called Trump’s proposed tariffs “a mistake, especially between long-standing allies,” warning that undermining trust would benefit strategic rivals. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen echoed the sentiment, cautioning lawmakers that “the worst may still be ahead of us” while reaffirming Denmark’s commitment to cooperation.
Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 17, 2026
They are essential for Europe and for the international community as a whole.
We have consistently underlined our shared transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic, including…
Thousands of Greenlanders have taken to the streets to protest any effort to place the island under U.S. control. At the same time, Trump has faced criticism from U.S. lawmakers.
The situation has left NATO allies and Greenlandic authorities watching closely as the president continues to insist that the island is essential to U.S. security. While Nielsen stressed that a military conflict is unlikely, his call for preparedness underscores the seriousness with which Greenland is taking Trump’s persistent claims.
