Why it matters:
The warning underscores growing unease inside Washington over President Donald Trump’s expansionist rhetoric, which critics say reflects a broader pattern of U.S. militarism and disregard for international law — even toward its closest allies.
The big picture:
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, a founding NATO member, and has been part of the Danish realm for more than 600 years.
Under NATO’s Article 5, an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all.
A U.S. assault on Greenland would therefore trigger unprecedented legal and political consequences within the alliance.
What he’s saying:
Michael McCaul, speaking to ABC News said if the U.S. president were to launch a military attack, it would completely upend Article 5 and essentially start a war with NATO.
That would ultimately lead to the dissolution of NATO, he added.
Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen described the White House campaign to seize Greenland as a case of “land grabbing,” saying it has “nothing to do with security.”
Key points:
Trump has openly claimed that acquiring Greenland is essential to U.S. “national security,” threatening that it could be achieved peacefully or by force.
Go deeper:
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt recently confirmed that “all options remain on the table,” including a potential purchase of the territory.
Trump announced plans to impose a 10 percent tariff from February 1 on countries opposing Greenland’s annexation, rising to 25 percent by June.
Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Copenhagen, holding anti-US banners and demanding Washington abandon its threats against Greenland.
Mojtaba Darabi - ahmad shirzadian
