Trump's Greenland conversation erupts into tense showdown
Last week, Donald Trump had a phone conversation with the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen. The conversation was about, among other things, Greenland, which is controlled by Denmark. According to the "Financial Times," the discussion proceeded in a very tense atmosphere. "It was awful," said one of the newspaper's sources.
The conversation took place in the context of Trump's recent bold statements about the U.S. taking over Greenland. He did not rule out using force or imposing economic pressure on Denmark through tariffs.
According to the "FT," last week's conversation went "very poorly" and dashed the Danes' hopes that Trump's territorial claims were merely a negotiating tactic.
Citing its sources, the newspaper reports that the conversation "was stormy." When Frederiksen stated that Greenland is not for sale, Trump allegedly adopted an "aggressive and confrontational" tone.
Nevertheless, the Prime Minister offered Trump the opportunity to deepen cooperation on military bases and mineral extraction in Greenland.
"It was awful," said one of the European politicians quoted by the "Financial Times." Another added that Trump was "very firm".
"It was a cold shower. Previously, it was hard to take seriously. But I think it is serious and potentially very dangerous," said a source for the "Financial Times".
Turmoil over Greenland
Greenland's Prime Minister, Mute Egede, stated on Facebook that "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, and their future and fight for independence is their own affair". He also noted that Americans and Danes may have different opinions.
Meanwhile, Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, emphasized in a statement to Danish TV2 that Greenland's aspirations for independence are understandable, but reiterated, "the island is not for sale."
Source: PAP/WP News
