Greenland PM: U.S. Invasion 'Cannot Be Ruled Out' Amid NATO Buildup

Topline Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told reporters Tuesday he cannot rule out a U.S. invasion, saying the island’s government will have to start preparing for a possible incursion as troops from Denmark and some NATO countries have arrived in Greenland to bolster its defenses. Key Facts Key Background Worldwide leaders are meeting in Switzerland for the planned forum just days after Trump announced he would be imposing 10% tariffs on eight European countries that last week began providing military aid to Greenland, a territory the president has repeatedly said should fall under U.S. authority for national security reasons. Trump is expected to attend the meeting and give a special address. In a post on Truth Social Tuesday morning, the president said there is “no going back” with his plans to seize Greenland. What Is The Anti-Coercion Instrument? European leaders have raised the possibility of invoking the EU's Anti-Coercion Instrument in response to U.S. tariffs. By using the ACI—also called the "trade bazooka"—the EU could retaliate against what it deems to be economic coercion by imposing countermeasures, including tariffs or limits on market access. French President Emmanuel Macron called it "crazy" the EU would even be forced to consider the never-before-used tool, which EuroNews refers to as a “nuclear option.” Like Macron, Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s far-right National Rally, said the ACI must be activated: “This is not an escalation. This is our credibility, our freedom and our sovereignty. Without making its voice heard and being able to defend the interests of the nations of Europe, the European Union would once again demonstrate its systemic paralysis." What Are Greenland Leaders Saying? Múte B. Egede, Greenland’s Minister of Finance and Taxation and its former prime minister, said in a Tuesday press conference Greenland is prepared for more pressure from the U.S., according to Greenland newspaper Sermitsiaq. Though he said it’s unlikely the rising tensions will trigger the need for the military, he said “we must be prepared for it.” Trump’s efforts to take over Greenland have been met with defiance from Nielsen, who said Monday Greenland will not be pressured. Speaking alongside Egede on Tuesday, Nielsen addressed the emotional and mental toll of Trump’s rhetoric, telling reporters “everyone in society is affected.” Chief Critic According to The Guardian, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged European leaders to not retaliate: "What I am urging everyone here to do is sit back, take a deep breath and let things play out. The worst thing countries can do is escalate against the United States. Crucial Quote Newsom says world leaders are "rolling over" for the president. He told reporters he "should have brought a bunch of knee pads for all the world leaders. I mean handing out crowns, the Nobel prizes that are being given away. It's just pathetic. And I hope people understand how pathetic they look on the world stage." What Is The World Economic Forum? Global leaders have converged to Switzerland this week for the World Economic Forum, an annual gathering of political leaders and business executives to discuss global economic and geopolitical issues. This year's forum is seen as particularly timely as tensions rise over Greenland. The timing offers officials a rare, high-level setting to address the dispute, even as tariff threats and talk of military action hang over the discussions. This is a developing story and will be updated.