President Trump suggests using force to seize Greenland, dismissing Danish sovereignty and citing national security concerns over Russia and China.
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has again suggested the use of force to seize Greenland, dismissing Denmark’s sovereignty over the autonomous Arctic island.
“We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not,” Trump said at a White House meeting.
He stated a preference for a deal, “the easy way,” but warned, “if we don’t do it the easy way, we’re going to do it the hard way.”
Trump claims controlling the mineral-rich island is crucial for US national security due to rising Russian and Chinese military activity in the Arctic.
“We’re not going to have Russia or China occupy Greenland,” he asserted.
Both nations have increased Arctic military activity but have laid no claim to Greenland, where the US already maintains a military base.
Denmark and European allies have expressed shock at Trump’s threats to take control.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned an invasion would end “everything,” meaning NATO and the post-World War II security structure.
Trump made light of Denmark’s concerns, calling himself a fan of the steadfast US ally.
“But you know, the fact that they had a boat land there 500 years ago doesn’t mean that they own the land,” he said.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is due to meet next week with Denmark’s foreign minister and representatives from Greenland.
