Sen. Chris Murphy says annexing Greenland would end NATO

Sen. Chris Murphy warned that a U.S. annexation of Greenland would effectively end NATO. Danish leaders and the White House responded publicly, and next steps are undetermined.

Sen. Chris Murphy said on NBC's Meet the Press that if the United States annexed Greenland, it would be the end of NATO. Greenland is a territory of Denmark and comes under NATO's mutual defense framework. Danish leaders publicly rejected talk of U.S. annexation and described the proposal as disrespectful. The White House said control of Greenland is a national security priority and has not ruled out military options. Key facts: - Sen. Chris Murphy said U.S. annexation of Greenland would end NATO and raised questions about alliance obligations between the United States and European allies. - Greenland is part of Denmark, a NATO member, and NATO's Article 5 creates mutual defense responsibilities that officials referenced in public comments. - Danish leaders publicly criticized the idea and warned it would affect alliance cooperation; the White House described Greenland as a national security priority and has not ruled out military options, while the next steps remain undetermined. Summary: Sen. Murphy's remarks spotlight tensions about alliance obligations if the United States sought to annex Greenland, and Danish officials publicly rejected the proposal. Undetermined at this time.