Donald Trump has once again expressed his ambition to acquire Greenland, warning NATO that China or Russia could claim the Danish territory if the U.S. does not act.
Previously, the former President had reached out to the people of Greenland in a puzzling message.
“If you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America,” Trump stated. “We need Greenland for national security and even international security.”
Recently, Trump reiterated his determination for the U.S. to obtain Greenland, declaring on Friday (January 9) that the U.S. would proceed with actions regarding Greenland regardless of opposition.
“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 insisted.
On Air Force One, Trump dismissed concerns from NATO allies, claiming that the alliance depends on the U.S. more than vice versa.
When asked on Sunday (January 11) whether acquiring Greenland would strain U.S. relations with NATO, Trump replied: “If it affects NATO, then it affects NATO. But, you know, they need us much more than we need them, I will tell you that right now.”
He added: “Greenland should make the deal because Greenland does not want to see Russia or China take over. Greenland, basically their defense is two dogsleds.”
In another discussion, Trump emphasized his belief that if the U.S. doesn’t take control, China or Russia will.
“I’m not going to let that happen. One way or the other, we’re going to have Greenland,” he commented. “Maybe NATO would be upset if I did it… we’d save a lot of money. I like NATO. I just wonder whether or not if needed NATO would they be there for us? I’m not sure they would.”
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, mentioned that all options, including military force, remain on the table for Trump in his quest to acquire Greenland.
If Trump were to initiate an invasion of Greenland, it could compel NATO to defend Denmark, a member nation.
Denmark’s membership in NATO means that if Trump employs military means to acquire Greenland, the alliance’s Article 5 mutual defense clause might be activated.
The NATO article states: “The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defense recognized by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.”