Donald Trump has once again issued a threat concerning Greenland, suggesting a possible annexation of the Danish autonomous territory, asserting he will take action “whether they like it or not.”
On Friday, during a meeting with oil and gas executives about the ongoing situation in Venezuela, President Trump reiterated his belief that the United States should acquire the Arctic territory.
“We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not,” he stated during the meeting.
He expressed concern over potential Russian or Chinese interest in Greenland: “If we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor.”
Trump further hinted at a more severe approach if Greenland continues to dismiss his proposal.
“So we’re going to be doing something with Greenland, either the nice way or the more difficult way,” he remarked.
This is not the first time a U.S. president has shown interest in Greenland, as several former presidents have noted its strategic importance. However, Trump has been particularly vocal and persistent in his intentions, especially following his involvement in the Venezuelan situation with Nicolás Maduro.
The U.S. intervention in the governance of another country raises questions under the UN Charter and international law, with concerns about the legality of such actions.
The President’s ease in ousting Maduro has caused other nations to worry about similar interventions in their affairs.
These concerns have intensified following comments from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, suggesting that ‘all options’ remain on the table for the President, including ‘military force’ for acquiring Greenland.
If Trump proceeds, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) would likely be compelled to defend one of its members. However, this possibility does not appear to deter the President.
During the meeting, Trump claimed credit for maintaining NATO, suggesting he had ‘saved’ the alliance, while affirming his support for it.
“If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have a NATO right now,” he stated. “But we’re not going to allow Russia or China to occupy Greenland, and that’s what’s going to happen if we don’t.”
Despite Trump’s assertions, Greenland’s premier, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has consistently rejected these claims, criticizing the President’s suggestion toward an autonomous nation.
“Threats, pressure and talk of annexation have no place between friends,” Nielsen declared.
“That is not how you speak to a people who have shown responsibility, stability and loyalty time and again. Enough is enough. No more pressure. No more innuendo. No more fantasies about annexation.”