Trump's Greenland push: Heated row with Denmark PM accelerates tensions
The media reports that the conversation between Donald Trump and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen about Greenland ended "horrendous," raising concerns among Danes about U.S. intentions. The "Financial Times" notes that a heated exchange occurred before the inauguration in Washington, D.C.
Donald Trump engaged in a phone conversation with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen about Greenland's future. According to the "Financial Times," the discussion concluded unsuccessfully, shattering the Danes' hopes that Trump's territorial claims were merely a negotiation tactic.
During the conversation, which occurred before the president's inauguration, Trump took on an "aggressive and confrontational" tone when Frederiksen stated that Greenland is not for sale.
Nonetheless, the Danish Prime Minister suggested enhancing cooperation on military bases and mineral extraction on the island. A European official described the conversation as "horrendous," while another noted that Trump was "very firm."
Concerns of the Danes
The Danes are worried about Trump's stance, as he has clearly outlined his intentions for Greenland. Prime Minister Frederiksen called a meeting with the heads of Danish corporations to discuss potential tariffs that Trump has threatened against Denmark.
A spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council confirmed that the security of Greenland is significant to the United States, especially considering Chinese and Russian investments in the Arctic.
Greenland's Prime Minister, Mute Egede, emphasizes that the island is striving for independence, rather than becoming part of the U.S. or Denmark. European diplomats in Washington affirmed the Danes' concerns, highlighting the absurdity of the situation, given that Americans already have a military presence on the island, and Denmark is open to expanding it.
While the USA cannot directly impose tariffs on Denmark due to its EU market membership, they could target specific goods, such as the obesity drug produced by Novo Nordisk.
