German troops have quietly packed up and left Greenland, just two days after arriving for a highly publicized NATO exercise meant to signal support for Denmark as President Donald Trump renews pressure over the strategic Arctic island.
The abrupt departure raised eyebrows in Greenland’s capital of Nuuk, where residents watched uniformed German soldiers board a commercial Icelandair flight rather than a military aircraft.
Once onboard, roughly half of the small contingent reportedly took seats in business class.
The deployment was part of Operation Arctic Endurance.
The Danish-led exercise was announced after President Trump questioned Copenhagen’s ability to secure Greenland and warned that the United States could seek control of the territory if American national security required it.
German officials insisted the mission had not ended early and claimed additional international coordination would follow.
Still, the optics of a rapid exit, especially via civilian flight, underscored Europe’s unease as NATO allies publicly posture while privately avoiding a sustained military footprint that could escalate tensions with Washington.
Europe Walks a Tightrope
Berlin’s brief presence highlighted a broader European balancing act over Greenland.
The island of roughly 56,000 people sits astride critical Arctic shipping lanes, boasts vast natural resources and rare earth minerals, and already hosts significant U.S. military infrastructure.
Denmark moved quickly to tamp down tensions, releasing a joint statement Saturday signed by leaders of Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
“As members of NATO, we are committed to strengthening Arctic security as a shared transatlantic interest,” the statement read.
“The pre-coordinated Danish exercise ‘Arctic Endurance’ conducted with Allies responds to this necessity.
“It poses no threat to anyone.”
The statement reaffirmed support for Danish sovereignty over Greenland and emphasized “dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The message was clearly aimed at Trump, who has intensified pressure on Denmark in recent weeks and floated tariff threats as leverage in broader negotiations over Arctic security and U.S. strategic interests.
“Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral,” the European leaders warned, adding that they would remain “united and coordinated” in their response.
Symbolism Meets Reality
Despite the tough rhetoric, the rapid German withdrawal highlighted Europe’s reluctance to translate symbolic gestures into a long-term military presence in Greenland, particularly as Trump has made clear that the Arctic is central to U.S. defense strategy.
On Saturday, several hundred Greenlanders staged an anti-American protest, marching toward the local U.S. Consulate with signs reading “Yankee Go Home” and “We are not for sale.”
One protester argued that U.S. security concerns were misplaced, noting that Washington already operates a Space Force base on the island and has standing permission from Denmark to expand its military presence.
However, tens of thousands of Greenlanders were notably absent from the anti-Trump protest.
COLD SHOULDER: Thousands rally in Greenland’s capital city, chanting “Greenland is not for sale,” after President Trump doubles down on the U.S.’ initiative to acquire the country.
The protest is reportedly the biggest demonstration in the nation’s history. pic.twitter.com/e3Vf22E2Kj
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 20, 2026
Still, Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland’s location makes it indispensable for defending the United States against growing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic, a position that continues to divide U.S. allies.
European Council President Antonio Costa called Sunday for an “extraordinary meeting” of EU leaders in the coming days to address the Greenland dispute, signaling that the issue is quickly becoming a flashpoint in transatlantic relations.
As European leaders issue statements and stage brief exercises, the contrast between their rhetoric and their actions has only reinforced Trump’s argument that U.S. leadership, not European hesitation, will ultimately determine the future balance of power in the Arctic.
READ MORE – Trump Warns U.S Must Take Greenland: ‘If We Don’t Do It, Russia or China Will’
Our comment section is restricted to members of the Slay News community only.
To join, create a free account HERE.
If you are already a member, log in HERE.