NATO ambassador says Europe 'has a tendency to overreact' over Greenland dispute

Fox News - WorldCenter-RightEN 4 min read 100% complete by Efrat LachterJanuary 17, 2026 at 12:00 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker addressed growing European concerns regarding U.S. interest in Greenland, stating that Arctic security is a core American defense interest. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Whitaker emphasized Greenland's strategic importance to U.S. security due to its location and the opening of Arctic routes as ice thaws. He downplayed European reactions, suggesting they "overreact" and that the issue primarily concerns the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland. Whitaker cited a recent meeting between Danish, Greenlandic, and U.S. officials as a sign of constructive progress. He also urged NATO allies to increase defense spending, referencing the "peace through strength" doctrine, to ensure collective strength within the alliance.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Venezuela 30% Secretary of State Rubio 30% Vice President Vance 30% Ronald Reagan Presidential Library 30% Midnight Hammer 30% France 40% Denmark ×270% Arctic ×275% North Atlantic Treaty Organization ×380% Matthew Whitaker ×790% United States ×695% Greenland ×895%

Keywords

greenland 100% arctic security 90% nato 80% u.s. defense 70% united states 60% european overreaction 60% strategic importance 50% denmark 50% military exercises 40%