Denmark is suddenly finding its sense of urgency in the Arctic. On Monday, Copenhagen ramped up its military presence in Greenland, rushing extra troops to the strategically vital territory just as President Donald Trump sharpened his focus on who really protects that land. Funny how attention increases when accountability shows up.
According to Danish broadcaster TV 2, the Danish Armed Forces confirmed that a new contingent of troops—described as a “substantial contribution”—arrived at Greenland’s main international airport late Monday. Maj. Gen. Søren Andersen, head of Denmark’s Arctic Command, said around 100 Danish soldiers are already in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, with more heading to Kangerlussuaq in western Greenland.
This sudden military buildup comes directly after President Trump highlighted Greenland’s strategic and military importance—something Washington has understood for decades, even if others preferred to look the other way. In a Jan. 18 Truth Social post, Trump didn’t mince words, warning that Denmark has failed to secure Greenland against foreign threats.
“NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that ‘you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland,’” Trump wrote. “Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!”
That’s called leadership—clear, direct, and not buried under diplomatic fluff.
The issue gained even more attention after a text message exchange between Trump and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre was released, touching on Greenland and even the Nobel Peace Prize. In the exchange, Trump questioned Denmark’s claim over the territory.
“Denmark cannot protect that land from Russia or China, and why do they have a ‘right of ownership’ anyway?” Trump asked, pointing out that there are no written documents backing Denmark’s claim—just history, boats, and assumptions. As Trump noted, plenty of boats landed there centuries ago. History isn’t a property deed.
Trump also reminded the world of a simple fact many prefer to ignore: “I have done more for NATO than any other person since its founding, and now, NATO should do something for the United States.” He added that global security depends on “complete and total control of Greenland.” Strong words, but then again, weak words haven’t exactly kept the Arctic secure.
Before these comments, Andersen said Danish troop deployments were driven by broader security concerns, not Trump’s statements. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen also said Denmark is increasing its military footprint in and around Greenland in cooperation with NATO allies as part of efforts to strengthen Arctic defense, with forces possibly remaining for a year or more and additional rotations planned.
Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt made it clear on Jan. 15 that European troop deployments won’t deter Trump’s interest in Greenland, stating they do not affect his decision-making or his goal of acquisition.
At the end of the day, this renewed focus on Greenland underscores a reality President Trump has been highlighting all along: strong defense, clear priorities, and American leadership make the world safer—and when those principles are followed, everyone benefits.
