What is the future of NATO amid Greenland tensions? Top Trump aide says alliance ‘very safe’
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s comments come as tensions are rising between the US and its European allies over Greenland, with the issue sparking a broader debate about transatlantic security and the future of NATO.
United States President Donald Trump.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spoke about NATO and European defense spending amid tensions over Greenland on the sidelines of the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Tuesday. Commenting on the state of the transatlantic alliance, Bessent said: “The NATO alliance is very safe, solid and has never been more secure thanks to President Trump.” Linking NATO’s security perspective to the issue of burden sharing, he said: “The Europeans are spending money on social welfare, on roads, on education, and now it’s time to pay more, which they have agreed to do.”
Bessent’s comments come at a time when tensions are rising between the United States and its European allies over Greenland, with the issue sparking a broader debate about transatlantic security and the future of NATO. When asked about the US position in Greenland, the US official said: “I would say exactly what I said last April after emancipation day, when the president imposed tariff levels on the entire world. I would tell everyone to sit back, take a deep breath, do not retaliate, do not retaliate. The president will be here tomorrow and deliver his message… And by the way, this has been on the minds of American presidents for over 150 years.” he said.
On Sunday, Bessent rejected what he called the “false choice” between the annexation of Greenland and the future of NATO. In an interview with NBC News, Bessent responded to concerns expressed by European allies about Greenland; Leaders in Europe have warned that any U.S. move to annex the semi-autonomous Danish territory in the Arctic could “destroy NATO,” The Hill reported. The interview came after Trump increased pressure on European allies to support his bid to buy Greenland and announced new tariffs on Denmark and some other NATO members. Trump said the tariffs “will remain payable until an Agreement is reached for the Total and Complete acquisition of Greenland.”
EC President warned Trump
As the Greenland issue continues to draw harsh reactions from leaders across Europe, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned the United States on Tuesday against imposing punitive tariffs on its European allies, calling it a “mistake” and saying such a move could damage long-standing partnerships. “The proposed additional tariffs are a mistake, especially among long-standing allies,” he said at the WEF in Davos. Von der Leyen’s remarks followed Trump’s comments on Monday in which he said he would “100 percent” continue with plans to impose tariffs on European countries unless a deal was reached on Greenland.
(With inputs from news agency ANI).
