US Treasury Says Greenland Dispute Will Make Europe Realize Value of US Security Umbrella

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, in connection with the controversy stemming from the United States’ attempt to annex Greenland, that “we will not outsource the security of the United States and the Western Hemisphere to other countries.”

In an interview with NBC on the 18th (local time), Bessent said, “For decades—more than a century—US presidents have wanted to acquire Greenland,” and made the remarks.

He continued, “We are building the Golden Dome (America’s next-generation missile defense network),” adding, “President Trump, strategically, is looking beyond this year and next to potential battles that could unfold in the Arctic.”

He also said, “If Russia or another country attacks Greenland, we will be drawn into (that war),” adding, “So right now it is better to achieve peace through strength by making Greenland part of the United States.”

In particular, he said, “The president believes strengthening (Arctic) security is impossible unless Greenland is incorporated into the United States,” adding, “I believe Europeans will understand that this (Greenland’s incorporation into the United States) is best for Greenland, Europe, and the United States.”

On strains emerging within the NATO alliance as President Trump ratcheted up pressure by announcing tariffs on eight European countries that are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Bessent said, “European leaders will ultimately turn around and realize they need to be under the US security umbrella,” adding, “What would happen to Ukraine if the United States cut off support? Everything would collapse.”

He also said, “President Trump believes in NATO, but he doesn’t believe in Americans being dragged in,” adding, “We will remain a member of NATO.”

Regarding the European Union’s moves suggesting it may scrap a US-EU trade deal, Bessent said, “The trade agreement has not been finalized, and emergency measures (tariffs) can be very different from other trade agreements.”

As for the US Supreme Court’s review of the legality of President Trump’s imposition of reciprocal tariffs (country-by-country tariffs) under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), he said, “I think it is very unlikely the Supreme Court will overturn the president’s mature economic policy,” adding, “They didn’t overturn Obamacare either. I believe the Supreme Court will not create chaos.”

Noh Jeong-dong, Hankyung.com reporter dong2@hankyung.com