Denmark reportedly made preparations to destroy key runways in Greenland amid fears that then-U.S. President Donald Trump might attempt to seize control of the island. According to a report by Danish state broadcaster DR, the plan aimed to prevent U.S. forces from landing easily in case of conflict. Authorities also prepared blood reserves for potential casualties. European officials confirmed the information to BBC and the Financial Times, though Denmark’s defense ministry declined to comment.

Tensions between the two NATO allies had risen over Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory, after Trump repeatedly expressed interest in bringing it under U.S. control, a proposal rejected by both Danish and Greenlandic leaders. In response, Copenhagen sought support from European partners, particularly France and Germany, and coordinated joint military readiness with Nordic countries.

The situation escalated on January 3 when U.S. forces detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, prompting Denmark to strengthen its defensive preparations. Later, a joint military team from Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden was deployed to Greenland, officially as a drill but reportedly as a precaution against U.S. aggression. Tensions eased after Trump stated at the World Economic Forum that he preferred a diplomatic solution.