“We would be obligated to defend Greenland. Including from ourselves. Our lawyers are looking at that.”
WASHINGTON — Pentagon officials confirmed Tuesday that the Greenland military option remains “on the table” and stressed that any action would be “fully consistent with America’s commitment to defending NATO allies,” even if the ally in question is the one being acquired.
“Denmark is a valued partner,” a senior defense official said on background. “That’s precisely why we’re exploring every option to ensure Greenland’s security. Including options Denmark hasn’t asked for.”
The clarification came after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that “utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the Commander in Chief’s disposal” regarding Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark. The United States currently operates Pituffik Space Base in northern Greenland under a 1951 defense agreement with Copenhagen.
Alliance Obligations ‘Under Review’
Asked whether a military operation against Greenland would trigger NATO’s Article 5 mutual defense clause, officials said the question was “more nuanced than it appears.”
“Article 5 obligates us to defend allies against armed attack,” a defense official explained. “If we’re the ones conducting the operation, it’s not technically an attack. It’s an enhanced presence with a transition component.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned Monday that a U.S. attack on Greenland would mean “everything stops, including our NATO.” Pentagon officials said they “respectfully disagree with that characterization.”
“NATO has survived many challenges,” the official said. “The Soviet Union. The Balkans. This would simply be a new chapter in alliance evolution.”
Approximately 200 Troops Already Deployed
The Pentagon confirmed that roughly 200 U.S. service members are currently stationed in Greenland for Arctic security operations, facilitated by the Danish government. Officials said this existing presence “demonstrates the strong foundation” for expanded cooperation.
“We’re already there,” one official noted. “The Greenlanders see American uniforms every day. The transition would be seamless for them.”
When asked whether Greenlandic officials had been consulted about their preferences, the official said conversations were “ongoing at appropriate levels.”
“Everyone has a number,” the official added. “That’s just how these things work.”
Senator Thom Tillis, co-chair of the Senate NATO Observer Group, called White House rhetoric on Greenland “amateurish” and “absurd” in a floor speech Tuesday. The Pentagon declined to comment on the senator’s remarks, noting only that “all options remain under review.”
Developing.
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