Davos, Switzerland, January 20 (ANI): US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent spoke about NATO and European defense spending on the sidelines of the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, amid ongoing debate over the future of transatlantic security ties and rising tensions linked to Greenland.
Commenting on the alliance, Bessent said, “The NATO alliance is very safe, sound—and thanks to President Trump, it’s never been more secure.” He emphasized the issue of burden-sharing, noting, “The Europeans have been spending the money on social welfare, on roads, on education, and it’s time for them to pay more, which they’ve agreed to do.”
Bessent described concerns over Greenland as a “false choice” between annexing the territory and maintaining NATO’s integrity. In an interview with NBC News’s Meet the Press, he stated, “Both. Kristen, that’s obviously a false choice,” in response to a question on whether Greenland or NATO is more essential to US national security. He added that European leaders “will come around” and understand the need to remain under the US security umbrella.
On the US role in NATO, Bessent warned that without American support, “the whole thing would collapse,” citing the situation in Ukraine. When asked if Trump intends for the US to stay in NATO, he replied, “Of course; we are going to remain a part of NATO,” while stressing that the US would not allow itself to be dragged into war or outsource Western Hemisphere security.
Bessent’s remarks follow President Trump’s intensified pressure on European allies to support his bid to acquire Greenland, including new tariffs on Denmark and other NATO members. Trump has stated the tariffs will remain “until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland” and has suggested military action could be an option if negotiations fail.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also addressed the issue at the World Economic Forum, warning against punitive US tariffs on European allies and calling them a “mistake.” She stressed the importance of trust and long-standing partnerships, noting, “The European Union and the United States have agreed to a trade deal last July. And in politics as in business—a deal is a deal. And when friends shake hands, it must mean something.”
Von der Leyen highlighted European engagement in Arctic security, stating, “We are working on a massive European investment surge in Greenland. We will work with the United States and all partners on wider Arctic security. This is clearly in our shared interest.” She emphasized that Europe must adapt to changing global dynamics and strengthen its strategic posture, adding, “Europe must speed up its push for independence—the world has changed permanently, we need to change with it. Europe is preparing its own security strategy, upgrading our Arctic strategy.”
Trump’s bid to seize control of Greenland from Denmark, a NATO ally, continues to draw sharp reactions in Europe, with officials considering potential countermeasures.
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