Trump's Greenland gambit: Tensions rise after heated call
The media report that the conversation between Donald Trump and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen about Greenland ended "horrendous," raising concerns among Danes about US intentions. The "Financial Times" reports that a heated exchange took place prior to the inauguration in Washington, D.C.
Donald Trump had a telephone conversation with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen regarding the future of Greenland. As reported by the "Financial Times," the discussion ended unsuccessfully, which dashed the Danes' hopes that Trump's territorial claims were merely a negotiation tactic.
During the conversation, which occurred prior to the president's inauguration, Trump adopted an "aggressive and confrontational" tone, when Frederiksen asserted that Greenland is not for sale.
Nevertheless, the Danish Prime Minister suggested deepening cooperation on military bases and mineral extraction on the island. A European official described the conversation as "horrendous," and another added that Trump was "very firm."
Concerns of the Danes
The Danes are worried about Trump's stance, as he has clearly articulated his intentions for Greenland. Prime Minister Frederiksen called a meeting with the heads of Danish corporations to discuss potential tariffs that Trump threatened Denmark with.
A spokesperson for the US National Security Council confirmed that the security of Greenland is important to the United States, especially in the context of Chinese and Russian interests in the Arctic.
Greenland's Prime Minister, Mute Egede, emphasizes that the island is striving for independence, not to be a part of the USA or Denmark. European diplomats in Washington confirmed the Danes' concerns, pointing out the absurdity of the situation, given that Americans already have a military presence on the island, and Denmark is open to expanding it.
The USA cannot impose tariffs directly on Denmark due to its membership in the EU market, but they can impose tariffs on specific goods, such as the obesity drug manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
