Donald Trump seeks control of Greenland, says ‘anything less unacceptable’, links move to NATO strength

Donald Trump (Courtesy: ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday again pushed for control of Greenland, saying it was necessary for “national security” and suggesting it would also increase the power of NATO.

Trump wants control of Greenland

In his Truth Social post, Trump wrote that anything less than US control of Greenland was “unacceptable,” adding: “With Greenland in US hands, NATO becomes much more formidable and effective.” He said that “NATO must lead us to achieve this” and that “if we don’t do it, Russia or China will and it won’t happen!” he said.

Trump also reiterated his claim that taking Greenland was essential to U.S. national security and “vital to the Golden Dome we’re building,” referring to the missile defense system developed by the Pentagon. Emphasizing the strategic and military dimension of the issue, Trump argued that NATO leaders should actively support this move, writing: “NATO must guide us to achieve this. IF WE DON’T DO IT, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL HAPPEN AND IT WILL NOT HAPPEN! Militarily, without the enormous power of the United States, much of which I created in my first term and have now brought to a new and higher level, NATO cannot be an effective force or deterrent – not even close! They know it, I know it too.”

Greenland rejects Trump’s claims

Greenland is a self-governing territory of Denmark. Earlier, Trump on Tuesday rejected statements made by Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen at a press conference in Copenhagen: “Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States. Greenland does not want to be governed by the United States. Greenland will not be part of the United States. We are choosing Greenland as we know it today, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.”

Responding to Nielsen’s comments, Trump said, “That’s their problem. I don’t agree with him. I don’t know who he is. I don’t know anything about him, but this is going to be a big problem for him.”

European countries support Greenland

Amid renewed interest in Trump’s remarks, European leaders have also opposed his calls for control over Greenland; French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Wednesday that any attempt by Washington to seize the region from Denmark would lead to “unprecedented” consequences.

Speaking through his government’s spokesman, Macron said, “We do not take statements about Greenland lightly. If the sovereignty of a European and allied country were to be affected, the consequences would be unprecedented.” He added that France was following developments closely and would “carry out its actions in full solidarity with Denmark and its sovereignty.”

Earlier on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated that Greenland belongs to its people and that the issue should be decided by Denmark and Greenland. “For me, it’s important for Greenlanders to know that we respect their wishes and that they can trust us.” The Danish Defense Command in Copenhagen did not comment directly on the report but said it had “increased the level of activity in the Arctic in the past year”.

“Danish Defense continually trains, among other things, the deployment of capabilities in the Arctic and maintains its presence both as part of routine mission execution and in preparation for future activities,” said Louise Hedegaard of the Danish Defense Command.