The unthinkable is happening within NATO. Denmark, one of America’s most loyal allies, is openly discussing the possibility of the United States turning into a hostile actor. In a dramatic speech on Sunday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declared that the standoff over Greenland has reached a "decisive moment," with the very survival of the Western alliance at stake.

The crisis escalated after President Donald Trump, fresh from his Venezuela operation, renewed his threat to use military force to secure US interests in Greenland. "We're going to be doing something with Greenland, either the nice way or the more difficult way," Trump told reporters, discarding diplomatic ambiguity for the language of conquest.

The Ultimatum

With US Secretary of State Marco Rubio due in Copenhagen this week, the atmosphere is toxic. Danish officials believe Rubio is bringing a "take it or leave it" offer: allow the US to establish a sovereign protectorate over Greenland in exchange for cash, or face unilateral annexation under the pretext of "Arctic security."

• The Danish Stance: "What is at stake is bigger than what the eye can see," Frederiksen warned. "If we experience that the Americans are turning their backs on the Western alliance by threatening an ally... then everything will stop." It is a veiled threat to expel US forces from European bases if sovereignty is violated.
• Greenland's Voice: In Nuuk, the mood is defiant. "We don't want to be Americans," read a joint statement from Greenland’s political parties. "The future of Greenland must be decided by Greenlanders." However, the fear is that Nuuk is merely a pawn in a game between Washington, Beijing, and Copenhagen.
• Sweden's Backing: Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson has rallied to Denmark's side, calling Trump's rhetoric "threatening" and a violation of international law. The Nordics are forming a united front, but they know they cannot militarily resist the US.

The NATO Fracture

This is the nightmare scenario for Europe. If the US attacks or coerces a NATO member to seize territory, Article 5 is dead. The "Greenland Crisis" is no longer just about minerals; it is about whether the post-WWII order can survive a US President who views allies as acquisitions.