Denmark launches NATO military exercises in Greenland after Trump threats

The Kingdom of Denmark has decided to start joint military exercises with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Greenland.

The development comes after the Greenlandic and Danish foreign ministers held a “frank but constructive” discussion with the United States Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, without any fruitful result.

Soon after the meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social and wrote that anything less than U.S. control of Greenland was unacceptable.

Following the intensifying threats, several European NATO members announced plans to send troops to Greenland for joint military exercises on the request of Denmark.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), French President Emmanuel Macron shared that French troops would participate in Operation Arctic Endurance, adding, “The first French military elements are already on their way. Others will follow.”

The German Defence Ministry confirmed that a team of 13 military personnel was sent to Greenland to participate in an exploration mission.

Norway and Sweden also confirmed their participation in the exercise. In a post on X, Swedish Prime Minister Ul Kristersson wrote, “Swedish armed forces personnel arriving in Greenland will prepare for upcoming elements within the framework of the Danish exercise Operation Arctic Endurance.”

President Trump has not ruled a military takeover of the world’s biggest island. The U.S. already maintains a military presence (150 troops) on the island.

However, Denmark has warned that any forceful takeover of the island would be the end of NATO.