Danish Troops In Greenland After Trump Threatens To Annex It

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

NUUK, GREENLAND (Worthy News) – As many as hundreds of additional Danish troops arrived in Greenland late Monday after U.S. Donald J. Trump made clear he wants to annex the territory by buying it from Denmark, while not ruling out using force.

Denmark’s top military commander in the Arctic, Major General Søren Andersen, said about 100 Danish soldiers arrived in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, and a similar number in the western town of Kangerlussuaq, near Greenland’s main international airport.

Video footage obtained by Worthy News confirmed his observations.

The Danish authorities described the latest troop movement as a “substantial contribution” to regional security and Arctic defense rather than a response to U.S. threats, while stressing that Greenland remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

The military deployment is linked to a larger NATO military alliance exercise called Operation Arctic Endurance, according to organizers

COLLECTIVE DEFENSE PLAN UNDER PRESSURE

Officials say the exercise involves not only Danish forces but also units from several European NATO allies participating in drills.

They want to demonstrate “collective defense” and Arctic readiness against threats from powers such as Russia or China, officials said.

U.S. lawmakers from both parties are pushing back against renewed rhetoric by Donald J. Trump regarding Greenland, stressing that under U.S. law, the president cannot unilaterally annex or purchase foreign territory, nor deploy military force without congressional authorization.

Trump’s comments, which have raised alarm in Europe and within NATO, come as Denmark has increased its military presence on Greenland amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Arctic.

US LAW LIMITS PRESIDENTIAL AUTHORITY

Legal experts and lawmakers emphasize that any formal acquisition of foreign territory — including purchase, annexation, or transfer — requires approval by the U.S. Congress, typically through legislation or treaty authority followed by ratification.

Under the U.S. Constitution, the president serves as commander-in-chief, but only Congress has the power to authorize acts of war and allocate funding.

If Trump were to attempt deploying U.S. troops to seize Greenland by force, members of Congress and constitutional scholars say he would require explicit congressional authorization, either under the War Powers Resolution or through specific legislation.

Any offensive military action without such approval could violate constitutional limits on executive power.

GROWING BIPARTISAN OPPOSITION IN CONGRESS

Lawmakers from both Republican and Democratic parties have publicly rejected Trump’s rhetoric about forcing control over Greenland, warning that such actions could severely damage NATO and undermine long-standing U.S. alliances.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis said Trump’s language was unnecessary and risky. “Threatening a NATO ally over territory is not how we strengthen America’s leadership or our alliances,” Tillis said.

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, a leading advocate of congressional war powers, warned that unilateral military action would cross constitutional lines.

“Any use of force related to Greenland would require congressional authorization. That is not optional — it is the law,” Kaine said.

CONGRESS MOVES TO REASSURE ALLIES

In a sign of mounting concern, a bipartisan delegation of U.S. senators recently traveled to Denmark and Greenland to reassure officials that most of Congress does not support any forced takeover.

The delegation emphasized respect for sovereignty and reaffirmed U.S. commitments to allies, seeking to counter the diplomatic fallout from Trump’s remarks.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also responded forcefully, reiterating Denmark’s long-standing position: “Greenland is not for sale. Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people,” Frederiksen said, adding that sovereignty and international law must be respected.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede echoed that message, stressing that decisions about Greenland’s future rest solely with its people. “Greenland is ours. We are not American, we are not Danish — we are Greenlandic,” Egede said. “Our future will be decided by us.”

LEGISLATIVE ACTION UNDERWAY IN CONGRESS

Several bills have been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to block federal funding for any military invasion, annexation, or acquisition of Greenland without congressional consent.

One proposal, known as the Greenland Sovereignty Protection Act, would explicitly prohibit the use of U.S. funds for such actions unless Congress provides clear authorization.

Additionally, lawmakers from both parties are pushing War Powers resolutions that would require a formal congressional vote before the president can take any military action related to Greenland.

Supporters say the effort is designed to reinforce constitutional checks on executive power. It would also compel lawmakers to go on record regarding any use of force against a NATO ally.

BROADER IMPLICATIONS NOTED IN EUROPE

The dispute underscores rising anxiety in Washington and Europe over the future of their relationship amid debate over Trump’s executive authority, alliance stability, and Arctic security.

Analysts warn that even rhetorical threats against Greenland risk emboldening adversaries such as China and Russia.

It also risks straining relations with key allies amid heightened global tensions.

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