Threats to NATO and Greenland Work. Germany Commits to Defense
Germany has recently announced a significant defense splurge, driven by the geopolitical tensions and the rapidly shifting security landscape in Europe. This dramatic military investment comes as a direct response to President Trump’s explicit threats to withdraw from NATO and his unprecedented declaration to seize Greenland by force.
The defense splurge is primarily influenced by President Trump’s aggressive ultimatum that the United States would abandon NATO if member states fail to increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP. During a February 2025 speech, Trump stated, “Either pay your fair share or America walks away and you’re on your own against Russia.” This stark warning has ignited urgent debates within Germany and across Europe about the necessity of massive defense investments to compensate for a potential American withdrawal.
Germany’s decision to boost its defense budget reflects its recognition that European nations may soon need to shoulder their own security burdens without American support. While initially committed to meeting NATO’s 2% GDP guideline, Germany has now approved emergency funding to approach the 5% threshold demanded by Trump, representing the largest military buildup since the Cold War. Defense Minister Franz Mueller acknowledged, “We face unprecedented pressure to rapidly strengthen our armed forces in light of America’s potential departure from European security architecture.”
The defense splurge also comes as a response to Trump’s shocking January announcement that Greenland represents a “strategic American interest” that he intends to “secure by any means necessary” despite Denmark’s sovereignty over the territory. This threat to forcibly seize territory from a NATO ally has raised alarming questions about whether the alliance’s mutual defense provisions remain meaningful under the current American administration.
However, the defense splurge has not been without controversy. Opposition leaders have questioned the sustainability of such massive military investment, arguing it diverts critical resources from social welfare and infrastructure. Green Party spokesperson Hannah Weber stated, “We’re responding to Trump’s erratic threats by militarizing Europe rather than strengthening diplomatic channels.”
Despite these concerns, Germany’s defense splurge represents a pragmatic response to the new transatlantic reality. With President Trump openly threatening both NATO’s existence and the territorial integrity of European allies, Germany’s investment aims to ensure European security with or without American partnership. As German Chancellor Schulz noted in a recent address, “When our strongest ally becomes unpredictable, we must stand ready to defend European democracy by ourselves.”
