US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sought to reassure allies about the strength of NATO while calling for greater European defence spending, speaking on the sidelines of the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday. His remarks came amid growing debate over the future of transatlantic security ties, sparked in part by renewed tensions surrounding Greenland.
Addressing questions about the stability of the NATO alliance, Bessent asserted that the bloc remains robust under current US leadership. He credited President Donald Trump with reinforcing NATO’s security framework, stating that the alliance is “safe and sound” and more secure than ever.
Bessent linked NATO’s long-term strength to the issue of burden-sharing, reiterating long-standing US concerns that European nations have underinvested in defence. He argued that while European governments have prioritised spending on social welfare, infrastructure and education, they now need to commit more resources to collective security.
His comments come at a sensitive moment for US–Europe relations, as disagreements over Greenland have intensified discussions about sovereignty, security responsibilities and NATO’s future direction. The issue has added strain to transatlantic ties and prompted questions about Washington’s broader strategic intentions in the region.
When asked directly about the US position on Greenland, Bessent urged caution and patience from international partners. Drawing parallels with the global reaction to President Trump’s tariff announcements last year, he advised countries against rushing to retaliate or escalate tensions. He suggested that President Trump would clarify his stance during engagements at the forum and encouraged allies to approach the issue with an open mind.
Bessent also noted that American interest in Greenland is not a new development, arguing that the strategic importance of the territory has been recognised by successive US administrations for over a century. He dismissed suggestions that the issue presents a stark choice between maintaining NATO unity and pursuing US strategic interests.
