NATO Red Line: Denmark Warns of Alliance Breakdown if US Uses Force Against Member State

Oslo, Jan 2026 : Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has issued a stark warning that the very foundations of NATO would be shaken if the United States were to attack another member of the military alliance, declaring that “everything stops” under such a scenario. Her remarks underline growing unease in Europe following renewed statements by US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Speaking in an interview with Danish public broadcaster DR, Frederiksen responded to a hypothetical question about the implications of a US military action against a fellow NATO ally. While she refrained from speculating on Washington’s intentions, she stressed that NATO is built on mutual trust, shared values, and the principle of collective defence—principles that would collapse if one member turned its force against another.

The Danish prime minister also strongly criticised President Trump’s repeated assertions that the United States “needs” Greenland, calling the comments “unacceptable pressure” on both Denmark and the Greenlandic people. Frederiksen said Trump’s words must be taken seriously, even if they are alarming, and reiterated that Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected any proposal for the Arctic island to become part of the United States.

“Borders must be respected,” Frederiksen said, adding that Europe stands united on the principle that territorial integrity cannot be violated by coercion or force. Her stance has found broad backing across the continent, with several European leaders publicly expressing solidarity with Denmark.

French Foreign Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux stated that borders “cannot be changed by force,” emphasizing France’s support for Denmark in the face of mounting pressure. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed the sentiment, affirming that Greenland’s future is a matter solely for the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland to decide. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also noted that Greenland, as part of Denmark, would in principle fall under NATO’s collective defence framework.

The controversy intensified after Trump said in a telephone interview with The Atlantic that the United States “absolutely” needs Greenland, citing its strategic importance. Frederiksen responded with a firm statement rejecting any notion of annexation and urging Washington to cease threats against a close ally.

Tensions rose further last month when Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the US special envoy to Greenland. Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly voiced interest in acquiring the territory, at times suggesting that “military or economic coercion” could not be ruled out—remarks that have deeply unsettled Europe and tested the unity of the NATO alliance.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)