Trump leaks private message from NATO chief
US President Donald Trump has shared what he claimed was a private message from NATO chief Mark Rutte praising his work in global hotspots and pledging to help resolve the Greenland dispute.
The message, posted to Trump’s Truth Social account on Tuesday, came shortly after the US president announced he would meet world leaders to discuss Greenland at this week’s Davos World Economic Forum.
Trump has long sought control over Greenland, arguing the autonomous Danish territory is critical to US defense against Russia and China. His push has caused friction with European NATO partners, who have rejected any change in Greenland’s status and warned that a US move on the Arctic island could mark the end of the bloc.
In the fawning message, Rutte praised Trump’s accomplishments in Syria, apparently referring to his defense of Kurdish rights following a ceasefire between their forces and Damascus, as well as his mediation efforts on Gaza and Ukraine.
“What you accomplished in Syria today is incredible. I will use my media engagements in Davos to highlight your work there, in Gaza, and in Ukraine,” Rutte purportedly wrote. “I am committed to finding a way forward on Greenland. Can’t wait to see you. Yours, Mark.”
In an earlier post, Trump said he had a “very good” phone call with Rutte concerning Greenland. Rutte previously refused to address what he called an “internal” NATO dispute over the territory and has largely hedged direct comment on Trump’s plans. Last year, he drew criticism and mockery over what many European officials saw as excessive flattery toward Trump when he called him “daddy” at a summit in The Hague.
The Greenland dispute is expected to dominate the Davos gathering this week. Denmark has insisted the island’s status is non-negotiable and coordinated with several allies to send small troop contingents to the territory – a move widely seen as reinforcing its sovereignty.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday dismissed Trump’s claims that Moscow or Beijing pose a threat to Greenland.
“When they justify what’s happening around Greenland by saying that otherwise Russia or China will seize it, there is no evidence... Washington is well aware that neither Russia nor China have such plans,” he said at a press conference.
Lavrov added that Moscow is instead interested in establishing “open, free” Arctic cooperation and is closely monitoring the dispute around Greenland, which he called “a serious geopolitical situation.”
