President Donald Trump has pitched NATO into what could become its worst-ever crisis by threatening new tariffs against US allies that oppose his grab for Greenland against the will of its people. Trump has correctly pointed out that many NATO nations took the US security umbrella for granted by running down their armed forces in recent decades. But by failing to rule out military force to take Greenland, he risks destroying NATO and its Article 5 mutual defense clause over a personal obsession. Trump’s first-term vice president, Mike Pence, told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union” that while the US has an interest in controlling and ultimately owning Greenland, Trump’s methods were counterproductive. NATO alliance members might also turn away from US arms purchases and investment.

Source: CNN January 19, 2026 17:01 UTC