President Trump is confidently advancing his intentions regarding Greenland. Dirk Emmerich emphasizes in his column that this creates serious problems for European countries. At the beginning of 2026, Europe faced numerous challenges, including the situations in Venezuela and Iran. Trump seems determined to address all issues according to the American strategy, making the concept of America First more rigid—America Only. He even stated, "Let's see what happens, and if it leads to the end of NATO, then so be it."
On January 15, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a meeting with key ministers, including Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, to discuss the current situation. The discussions were held in a closed format, highlighting the delicacy of the issue.
It is unclear why Trump decided to intensify his actions right now. The U.S. already has a significant presence on the island: about 200 American soldiers are there under a 1951 agreement with Denmark, which allows for troop deployment with Copenhagen's consent. In the past, up to 10,000 American soldiers were stationed in Greenland, and although only one base remains now, it can be reactivated.
Future Scenarios for Greenland
Denmark and Europe are in shock and a sense of helplessness. Among the possible scenarios that may unfold, the following stand out:
Annexation like in Crimea
There is a possibility that the U.S. could increase its military presence on the island to several thousand soldiers without Denmark's consent and take control of the capital, Nuuk.
Recalling the events of 2014 in Crimea, when "little green men" suddenly appeared, one might assume that a similar situation could repeat itself in Greenland. The Ukrainian army could not resist this, and it is unlikely that 300 Danish soldiers could do the same against superior U.S. forces.
As in 2014, a referendum could also be held in Greenland. Trump has already hinted that residents of Greenland may be offered large cash payments in the event of joining the U.S. With a population of 57,000, such payments would amount to about $5.7 billion—a relatively small sum for the American budget.
Purchase of Greenland
Some of Trump's advisors advocate for a more peaceful option—the possibility of purchasing Greenland. The example of Alaska shows that this is possible, but the question of who would be the seller—Denmark or the autonomous government of Greenland—remains open.
If the U.S. can act this way, what ideas might arise for other superpowers, such as China, in other regions of the world?
Within NATO
Nevertheless, some Europeans who believe in the transatlantic alliance are trying to convince Trump that all issues can be resolved within NATO. This could strengthen the U.S. military presence without changing Greenland's territorial affiliation.
However, does this align with the new American strategy, which effectively views Europe as an adversary? U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that Trump is a president of action, and if he speaks seriously about something, it is indeed serious.
2026 began with geopolitical upheavals, and it seems that even more unpredictable events await us ahead.
Author: Dirk Emmerich, correspondent for the German TV channels n-tv and RTL, who has lived and worked in Moscow and Washington for a long time and has covered conflicts in Syria, Libya, and Afghanistan.
