NATO member Denmark spent the last four years single-mindedly worried about the Russian danger, but was surprised by the territorial ambitions by the fast-moving US President Donald J. Trump.
After a telephone call between Trump and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, it has now been reported that the Danish Kingdom is in ‘crisis mode’ after Trump made a direct play for Greenland in a conversation being branded as ‘horrendous’.
The Telegraph reported:
“The US president spoke to Mette Frederiksen, the Danish premier, for 45 minutes last week and made clear he wanted to place Greenland under American control.”
Greenland is an autonomous Arctic territory owned by Denmark since 1814. But now, Trump wants it as a ‘valuable asset’ in the US’s competition against Russia and China.
“Ms. Frederiksen told him in their call last week that despite his ‘big interest’, Greenland was not for sale, the Financial Times reported. Mr. Trump then became ‘aggressive’, according to the newspaper, and threatened to impose tariffs on Denmark unless Greenland was sold to the US.”
Trump refused to rule out using military force to take Greenland, calling it a matter of ‘national security’ to own that Arctic base.
“Denmark has repeatedly ruled out selling Greenland, and argues that the territory’s 57,000 residents should be allowed to decide their nation’s political future.”
Sources say Trump’s intent was manifested very clearly. The US wants it, and the Danes are now in ‘crisis mode’.
“Mr. Trump laid out his plans to take the territory earlier this month, arguing that the US ‘needed’ Greenland for ‘national security purposes’. He also said on his Truth Social platform that the nation’s residents ‘need safety, security, strength, and peace! This is a deal that must happen’, he said. ‘Make Greenland Great Again!’”
Military presence in Greenland could give the US an advantage in the competition for control of areas of the Arctic trade routes.
Trump was firm in his pursuit to acquire Greenland during a call with Denmark’s prime minister, according to the Financial Times. Five European officials who were briefed about the call were in shock to find that Trump is serious about acquiring Greenland. The officials hoped he was joking, or his statements were just a negotiating tactic. “[Trump] was very firm. It was a cold shower. Before, it was hard to take it seriously. But I do think it is serious and potentially very dangerous,” one official reportedly said. “The intent was very clear. They want it. The Danes are now in crisis mode. The Danes are utterly freaked out by this.” “It was a very tough conversation. He threatened specific measures against Denmark such as targeted tariffs.”
1 comment:
In response Greenland may shut down Thule, a vital early warning AFB.
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