NATO chief Mark Rutte backs Trump on Arctic security, says president 'has a point' on Greenland

ANKARA, TURKEY: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte voiced support for two of President Donald Trump's key national security positions, saying that the president "has a point" about strengthening Arctic defenses around Greenland and calling the renewed US strikes on Iran "absolutely necessary." 

Rutte's comments followed Trump's renewed insistence that Greenland should come under US control because of its strategic importance, while Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reaffirmed Copenhagen's position that Greenland remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark and pledged to defend every inch of NATO territory.

Rutte backs Trump's Arctic security concerns

Rutte said Trump was right to highlight growing strategic competition in the Arctic, particularly involving Russia and China. "I think he absolutely has a point that China and Russia are gaining access to the Arctic, so it's crucial that, as an alliance, we work together to make sure it doesn't happen," Rutte said.

Although military analysts have disputed Trump's assertions that Chinese and Russian vessels routinely operate near Greenland, Rutte said the broader security concerns remain valid and noted that discussions involving the United States, Denmark and Greenland are already underway. "When it comes to Denmark and Greenland itself, we have a good process in place," he said.

Trump reignited debate over Greenland before the summit by arguing that the Arctic island "should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark," citing its strategic location and growing geopolitical competition in the region.

Frederiksen, however, maintained Denmark's longstanding position, telling reporters that although "the US position is unfortunately very clear," Greenland remains part of the Danish kingdom. "We are ready to defend every inch of NATO," she said.

Rutte defends US strikes on Iran, reaffirms Trump's commitment to alliance

Rutte also defended the Trump administration's recent military strikes on Iran, saying Washington's response was warranted after accusing Tehran of breaching a ceasefire. "When you have a ceasefire and Iran is basically violating the ceasefire, I think it is totally crucial that the US forcefully react," he said, calling the strikes "absolutely necessary."

The NATO secretary general also dismissed suggestions that Trump was wavering in his support for the alliance. "He is completely committed to this. There is complete commitment of the United States to NATO," Rutte said, adding that Trump's long-running calls for European allies to increase defense spending had produced tangible results.

Rutte's remarks came after Trump said he expected "loyalty" from NATO allies as leaders gathered for the summit, criticizing members for not joining recent US military action against Iran. 

Before departing for Turkey, Trump said, "We don't need their money, we don't need anything. I just want loyalty," while also suggesting he might have skipped the summit if it were not hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.