President Trump allegedly engaged in a heated conversation with Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on his assertion that U.S. control of Greenland is essential for American national security.
A 45-minute conversation between Trump and Frederiksen last week escalated into a dispute, according to senior European sources who spoke to the Financial Times.
At that time, Trump, the president-elect, was allegedly confrontational and threatened tariffs against the the nordic country if it refused to hand over Greenland.
National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes refrained from commenting on the call’s tone but stated that Trump is concentrating on Greenland within the broader context of competition with China and Russia.
“President Trump has been clear that the safety and security of Greenland is important to the United States as China and Russia make significant investments throughout the Arctic region,” Hughes said.
“The President is committed to not only protecting U.S. interests in the Arctic but also working with Greenland to ensure mutual prosperity for both nations,” he continued.
Trump has concentrated significantly on proposals to acquire Greenland, an autonomous Arctic territory that belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark.
In his inaugural address, Trump characterized the U.S. as an expanding nation augmenting its territory. Trump has also advocated for the United States to reclaim the Panama Canal and has speculated about the annexation of Canada.
Trump and Frederiksen conversed via telephone on January 15. The Danish Prime Minister stated that she referenced comments made by the chair of Greenland’s Parliament, asserting that the island is not for sale and that the decision regarding its independence rests with Greenland.
She proposed that Denmark assume increased responsibility for Arctic security, highlighted the contributions of Danish enterprises to growth and employment in the United States, and asserted that the EU and the U.S. share a mutual interest in enhanced trade, as per a statement from her office.
The Trump transition team did not disclose specifics of that phone discussion; however, Trump stated at a news conference on January 7 that he would not dismiss the possibility of use economic or military power to assert control over the Arctic island.
Frederiksen is perceived as a hyper-liberal who criticized the Biden administration’s gradual provision of weaponry to Ukraine.
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