remember skepticism (english-speaking media's point-of-view)
Here’s the brutal truth about Donald Trump’s relationship with the Nordic countries in 2024–2025:
1. Greenland Obsession and Threats
Trump has repeatedly and publicly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, even suggesting the use of military force if Denmark refuses. In early 2025, he stated that U.S. ownership of Greenland is a “necessity” for national security, and his son, Donald Trump Jr., made a private visit to Nuuk, further stoking tensions. Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected these overtures, with Greenland’s prime minister declaring the island “not for sale” and accusing the U.S. of disrespect. The Nordic nations have rallied in solidarity with Denmark, with Norway’s prime minister affirming, “You can be fully certain that we stand by you and by Denmark in solidarity” against U.S. threats
2. Strained Transatlantic Relations
Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and unpredictable foreign policy have shaken Nordic trust in the U.S. His demands for increased NATO spending, threats of tariffs, and open skepticism about defending NATO allies have forced the Nordics to reassess their reliance on Washington. Norway, Sweden, and Finland—all now NATO members—are boosting defense spending and seeking closer EU security cooperation as a hedge against U.S. unreliability
3. Economic and Trade Pressure
Trump has criticized Nordic trade surpluses and hinted at tariffs, particularly targeting Norway. His “America First” approach has left Nordic leaders scrambling to balance their economic interests with the need to maintain a functional relationship with the U.S. The Nordics, traditionally strong U.S. allies, now face the reality of a transactional, self-interested American president who views alliances through the lens of immediate gain
4. Arctic and Security Tensions
The Arctic has become a flashpoint. Trump’s focus on Greenland is partly driven by competition with China and Russia in the region. The Nordics, while welcoming U.S. investment in Arctic infrastructure (like Nuuk’s new runway), are wary of being drawn into a great-power rivalry. The Nordic countries are strengthening their own defense capabilities and regional cooperation, fearing that Trump’s America may not be a dependable partner
5. Political and Public Backlash
Across the Nordic region, Trump’s policies—from his Greenland comments to his handling of Ukraine and NATO—have sparked public outrage. In Denmark, his actions have “set the Danish Viking blood boiling,” and there’s growing anti-American sentiment, including boycotts of U.S. products. Nordic leaders, while pragmatic, are increasingly looking to Europe for stability and security
Summary: Trump’s approach to the Nordics is characterized by bullying, transactional demands, and a disregard for their sovereignty. The brutal truth is that the Nordics, once comfortable under the U.S. security umbrella, now see Trump’s America as a source of instability and are actively preparing for a future where they can’t count on Washington.
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The Nordic countries are actively developing long-term strategies to reduce their dependence on the U.S. for security, especially in light of uncertainties surrounding U.S. commitment under Trump and the broader geopolitical shifts. Here are the key pillars of their approach:
1. Deepened Nordic-Baltic Defense Cooperation
- The Nordics are significantly expanding joint military exercises, infrastructure, and command structures. For example, Sweden and Finland are now fully integrated into NATO’s defense plans for the High North, with new Forward Land Forces (FLF) in Finland under Swedish leadership and a new Multi-Corps headquarters. The 2024 NORDIC RESPONSE exercise, involving over 20,000 troops, demonstrated their ability to operate together in collective defense scenarios
- Norway is expanding its army from one to three brigades and increasing its Home Guard to 45,000 troops, while Sweden is establishing two new mechanized brigades in the north. These moves are designed to create a robust, self-sufficient regional defense capability
2. Increased Defense Spending and Self-Sufficiency
- All Nordic countries (except Iceland) have committed to spending at least 2% of GDP on defense, with Finland already exceeding this target. Denmark and Sweden are boosting military budgets to modernize equipment, replenish stocks, and improve readiness—reducing reliance on U.S. supplies and support
- Norway is reactivating key air bases (like Bardufoss) and developing Bodø as a NATO command hub for the High North, ensuring operational resilience even if U.S. support wavers
3. Strengthening the European Pillar within NATO
- The Nordics are pushing for a stronger “European pillar” in NATO, allowing for more autonomous decision-making and operations. Denmark, in particular, is advocating for EU defense initiatives to complement NATO, recognizing that the U.S. may prioritize the Asia-Pacific over Europe in the long term
- The integration of Finland and Sweden into NATO has enabled closer Nordic coordination, especially in the Baltic Sea and Arctic regions, which are critical for regional security
4. Diversifying Security Partnerships
- Beyond NATO, the Nordics are enhancing bilateral and multilateral ties with the UK, Germany, France, and other European partners. Norway, for instance, is aligning more closely with EU defense and security cooperation, even as a non-EU member
- There is also a focus on Arctic security, with Greenland, Denmark, and the Faroe Islands taking a more active role in the Arctic Council and regional defense planning
5. Strategic Autonomy in Critical Areas
- The Nordics are investing in indigenous defense industries, cybersecurity, and energy infrastructure to reduce vulnerabilities. Norway’s role as a stable energy supplier to Europe has become a strategic asset, while Sweden and Finland are upgrading their defense industrial bases to support sustained operations without U.S. logistical support
6. Preparing for a Potential U.S. Pivot Away from Europe
- Nordic defense planners now openly acknowledge that the U.S. can no longer be considered a “secure ally.” As a result, they are accelerating rearmament and stockpiling ammunition and equipment to ensure they can deter and, if necessary, defend against threats independently
Conclusion: The Nordics are building a multi-layered security architecture—combining NATO membership with deeper regional cooperation, increased defense spending, and strategic autonomy—to ensure they are not overly reliant on the U.S. Their goal is to be prepared for a range of scenarios, from continued U.S. engagement to a more transactional or even distant transatlantic relationship.
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Donald Trump has long been critical of the Nordic welfare model, which he and his allies often portray as "socialist" and economically unsustainable. Here’s how his views and the Nordic response break down:
Trump’s Criticism of the Nordic Model
- Trump and his administration see the Nordic welfare state—with its high taxes, universal healthcare, and strong social safety nets—as a form of "socialism" that stifles economic freedom and innovation. They argue that such systems are too costly, discourage work, and make countries dependent on government rather than individual initiative
- His policies, such as those outlined in Project 2025 (a conservative blueprint for a potential second term), aim to slash social safety nets, reduce public spending, and promote deregulation—directly opposing the Nordic approach. Trump has also mocked European countries for relying on the U.S. for defense, implying that their welfare spending leaves them weak and unable to fund their own security
- In private and public remarks, Trump and his team have dismissed the Nordic model as a cautionary tale, claiming it leads to economic stagnation and dependency, despite evidence to the contrary
Nordic Response and Reality
- The Nordics reject Trump’s characterization. They argue that their model is not "socialist" but a form of "cuddly capitalism"—combining free markets with robust public services to reduce inequality, ensure high living standards, and maintain strong economies. Studies show the Nordic model fosters both social equity and economic competitiveness, with high employment rates, innovation, and happiness rankings
- Nordic leaders and citizens overwhelmingly support their welfare systems. For example, Norwegians credit their universal healthcare and social policies for their country’s success, and surveys show only 8% of Danes would vote for Trump if given the chance
- The Nordics are even leveraging their model as a competitive advantage, hoping to attract U.S. researchers and professionals alienated by Trump’s policies by highlighting their academic freedom, strong welfare societies, and work-life balance
- Far from being a liability, the Nordic welfare state is seen as an economic asset, providing stability during crises and supporting a productive private sector. The model’s resilience is backed by high trust in government, low corruption, and a well-educated workforce.
Key Contrast
- While Trump’s vision emphasizes deregulation, lower taxes, and reduced public services, the Nordics continue to invest in education, healthcare, and social protection—policies they believe are essential for long-term prosperity and social cohesion.
Summary: Trump’s attacks on the Nordic model reflect his broader ideological opposition to strong welfare states. The Nordics, however, remain confident in their approach, pointing to their high quality of life, economic stability, and global competitiveness as proof of its success.
sources
- https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1315686-nordic-nations-in-solidarity-with-greenland-after-us-threats
- https://apnews.com/article/greenland-trump-denmark-us-87b669843fc1edc2c40cea47e6a40043
- https://geopolitique.eu/en/2025/02/21/president-trump-hemispheric-security-and-the-greenland-connection/
- https://www.trtworld.com/article/18263707
- https://www.theorybrief.com/p/trumps-nordic-misadventures
- https://www.csis.org/analysis/defending-north-amid-rising-geopolitical-tensions
- https://apnews.com/article/trump-america-boycotts-greenland-51st-canada-8a1b19fec98d77253c6df80f8e5c7e6b
- https://rollcall.com/2025/04/24/donald-trump-tariffs-trade-norway/
- https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/01/30/europe-trump-russia-nato-defense-spending-transtlantic-relations/
- https://www.persuasion.community/p/as-trump-vandalizes-the-transatlantic
- https://www.max-security.com/resources/global-forecast/trump-foreign-policy-2025/
- https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/03/07/143c-m07.html
- https://academic.oup.com/ia/article/100/2/813/7603555?login=false
- https://www.thearcticinstitute.org/militarization-nordic-arctic-demographic-economic-environmental-implications/
- https://carnegieendowment.org/europe/strategic-europe/2024/11/taking-the-pulse-can-europeans-significantly-reduce-their-security-reliance-on-the-united-states?lang=en
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09662839.2023.2221185?__cf_chl_rt_tk=xQzyK22gfJpI_eDJ.bMPmsri0ce1AuD6HDEtkfMMDvA-1762587511-1.0.1.1-M3c1G3uPmZE0bqT4OxCYiJa_YT_sVEsrpVRcoO_0Sjs
- https://www.persuasion.community/p/as-trump-vandalizes-the-transatlantic
- https://www.thelocal.dk/20250503/nordics-hope-to-attract-us-researchers-alienated-by-trump
- https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/norway-trump-s-comments-immigration-rejected-backhanded-praise-n837451
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Nordiccountries/comments/1ida5ym/im_curious_what_do_nordic_citizens_think_of_trump/
- https://nordicwelfare.org/en/nyheter/the-nordic-welfare-model-strong-public-foundations-for-a-productive-private-sector/
- https://www.factcheck.org/2025/10/trump-project-2025-and-the-social-safety-net/
- https://www.npr.org/2024/11/25/nx-s1-5184462/the-countrys-social-safety-net-could-be-in-danger-as-trump-looks-to-slash-spending
- https://www.politifact.com/article/2024/sep/30/donald-trumps-2024-campaign-promises-heres-his-vis/
- https://ecfr.eu/publication/maga-goes-global-trumps-plan-for-europe/
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