US threatens to annex Greenland - 2025/2026

[acutename]

In 1966 France kicked the US military out. They did it because Charles De Gaulle was the president at that time, and as a decorated military General remembered quite clearly what it was like to live under Nazi occupation and didn't want France to live under America's influence in NATO. In 2009, France rejoined NATO but has never invited the US back so there are still no US bases on French soil. So I can see in the not so distant future that some significant countries like the UK, Germany and Italy may decide they don't want nearly 100,000 US military members on their sovereign soil. All US military bases in Europe are there solely on the good graces of the host countries. Depending on the exigencies of what could transpire quickly with Trump and his threats the drawdown of US troops and equipment could echo what happened in Afghanistan in 2021.
One thing that the US and many Americans have never experienced in modern history is occupation and the destruction of their country during active wars. So far, the US has escaped that. Even the most famous example of overt military aggression toward the US was on Pearl Harbour in 1941 which wasn't even a state back then. They were annexed in 1898 when the US overthrew the monarchy. They took it by force not negotiation. Which sounds very similar to what Trump wants to do with Greenland.

there is already a US base in Greenland. Why not just work with that? Why all this hostility/demands/threats? I really do not understand why there isn't just more diplomacy.

 

[Andreee]

When and where did Denmark make such comments?




Germans move their troops there in direct response to American threats.

Moo obviously.

I don't think that makes any sense at all. There is a lot media hate for Trump but the actual nations are not that heated. Why is Greenland such a a hot topic all of a sudden. I think Russia was or is about to make a move.

Are you serious? All over the media it has been said that troops are moving there BECAUSE of Trump! The actual nations are that heated! No word of Russia doing anything but I'm guessing they are sitting back and laughing! IMO, but also seen all over social media.

 

[Andreee]

there is already a US base in Greenland. Why not just work with that? Why all this hostility/demands/threats? I really do not understand why there isn't just more diplomacy.

Greed by Trump, he is after resources and power. His massive ego. I add IMO but it is obvious at this point.

 

[keek]

In 1966 France kicked the US military out. They did it because Charles De Gaulle was the president at that time, and as a decorated military General remembered quite clearly what it was like to live under Nazi occupation and didn't want France to live under America's influence in NATO. In 2009, France rejoined NATO but has never invited the US back so there are still no US bases on French soil. So I can see in the not so distant future that some significant countries like the UK, Germany and Italy may decide they don't want nearly 100,000 US military members on their sovereign soil. All US military bases in Europe are there solely on the good graces of the host countries. Depending on the exigencies of what could transpire quickly with Trump and his threats the drawdown of US troops and equipment could echo what happened in Afghanistan in 2021.
One thing that the US and many Americans have never experienced in modern history is occupation and the destruction of their country during active wars. So far, the US has escaped that. Even the most famous example of overt military aggression toward the US was on Pearl Harbour in 1941 which wasn't even a state back then. They were annexed in 1898 when the US overthrew the monarchy. They took it by force not negotiation. Which sounds very similar to what Trump wants to do with Greenland.

Never to forget the suffering other countries went through and go through. I never take it for granted.

 

[Andreee]

Are you serious? All over the media it has been said that troops are moving there BECAUSE of Trump! The actual nations are that heated! No word of Russia doing anything but I'm guessing they are sitting back and laughing! IMO, but also seen all over social media.

Europe Confronts Trump’s Greenland Ambitions

Deploying troops to the island signals European unity in the face of the White House’s belligerence.

foreignpolicy.com

 

[Kaley Smith]

I am wondering if the sudden interest in Greenland, Denmark's comments about not being able to defend and now Germany potentially moving troops there evidences a year or so of intel indicating Russia or the PRC was about to make a move on Greenland. The Russian shadow fleet operations severing cables is very aggressive and we have seen the PRC pressing the arctic as well.

I don't agree Russia is about to make a move on Greenland. It is too depleted by and occupied with Ukraine to do this at this time.

 

[Herat]

I don't agree Russia is about to make a move on Greenland. It is too depleted by and occupied with Ukraine to do this at this time.

Agree

Who would they send there and what would they do with it anyway?

There armies are depleted of solid military people and contemporary equipment.

 

[CrimeDawg123]

The fact that the US has military bases and presence on Greenland, and the fact that Greenland has welcomed expansion of that military presence, shows that this isn't about US defense at all. It's in part about control of mineral resources which are prohibited from being extracted due to environmental regulations. But moreso, it's about Trump's overwhelming narcissistic need for ownership, much like his Nobel medal. There is no need for the US to own Greenland. There is no need to appease the man-child. None.

 

[Inthedetails]

March?!

President ⁠Donald Trump's special envoy to Greenland said he plans to visit the Danish territory in ‍March, and that ‍he believes a deal can be made.

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/u-s-greenland-envoy/2026/01/16/id/1242374/

 

[Inthedetails]

“We heard that former Rep Billy Long, Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Iceland, joked to members on the floor last night that Iceland will be the 52nd state and he’ll be governor,” Politico wrote in its morning newsletter....

Iceland’s foreign ministry said it had contacted the US embassy for clarification....

On Wednesday Long reportedly apologised for the remarks in an interview with Arctic Today, a news website that covers the region....

Though Long said he could understand why the comments would have set off a reaction, he was adamant they were a joke and should not be taken seriously.

“I apologise and that’s my only comment, I look forward to working with the people of Iceland and I apologise it was taken that way. I was with a group of friends and there was nothing serious about it,” he added.

Anger in Iceland over incoming US ambassador’s ‘52nd state’ joke

Thousands sign petition calling on Iceland’s foreign minister to reject Trump ally Billy Long’s nomination

www.theguardian.com

 

[iamshadow21]

“We heard that former Rep Billy Long, Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Iceland, joked to members on the floor last night that Iceland will be the 52nd state and he’ll be governor,” Politico wrote in its morning newsletter....

Iceland’s foreign ministry said it had contacted the US embassy for clarification....

On Wednesday Long reportedly apologised for the remarks in an interview with Arctic Today, a news website that covers the region....

Though Long said he could understand why the comments would have set off a reaction, he was adamant they were a joke and should not be taken seriously.

“I apologise and that’s my only comment, I look forward to working with the people of Iceland and I apologise it was taken that way. I was with a group of friends and there was nothing serious about it,” he added.

Anger in Iceland over incoming US ambassador’s ‘52nd state’ joke

Thousands sign petition calling on Iceland’s foreign minister to reject Trump ally Billy Long’s nomination

www.theguardian.com

When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time, as Maya told us.

In the current climate, there is nothing light or frivolous about suggesting invasion or annexation. Especially as Greenland, Iceland's neighbour, is being told by the president himself that the US is going to invade whether they like it or not.

MOO

 

[Gators North]

March?!

President ⁠Donald Trump's special envoy to Greenland said he plans to visit the Danish territory in ‍March, and that ‍he believes a deal can be made.

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/u-s-greenland-envoy/2026/01/16/id/1242374/

Meh. The POTUS has a Peace Prize now (even though it’s not really his) and that’s more important. MOO

 

[otto]

Carney answered media questions after wrapping up his new trade deal with China. There was one question about Greenland.

He referenced NATO Article 2 and Article 5. He mentioned that Canada has opened a new consulate in Greenland (official opening next month). He reiterated that Canada is in discussions with Greenland and Denmark regarding Arctic security, and that one of his first decisions as Prime Minister was to implement increased strategic presence in the Arctic. He increased presence from 4 months to 365 days.

He said that China is in agreement with Canada to respect the sovereignty of Greenland.

Canada expects all NATO partners to respect the partnership.

Article 2
The Parties will contribute toward the further development of peaceful and friendly international relations by strengthening their free institutions, by bringing about a better understanding of the principles upon which these institutions are founded, and by promoting conditions of stability and well-being. They will seek to eliminate conflict in their international economic policies and will encourage economic collaboration between any or all of them.

Article 5
The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defence recognized by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/livestory/canada-china-electric-vehicles-canola-trade-deal-carney-xi-9.7048058

The North Atlantic Treaty

The Parties to this Treaty reaffirm their faith in the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and their desire to live in peace with all peoples and all governments. They are determined to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilisation of their peoples, founded on...

www.nato.int