Trump's Greenland gambit: Diplomatic tensions escalate
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 governed by Denmark. According to the "Financial Times," the discussion occurred in a very tense atmosphere. "It was awful," said one of the newspaper's sources.
The discussion took place in the context of Trump's bold statements in recent weeks about the U.S. acquiring Greenland. He did not rule out using force or applying economic pressure on Denmark through tariffs.
According to the "Financial Times," last week's conversation went "very poorly" and shattered the Danes' hopes that Trump's territorial claims were merely a negotiating tactic.
Citing its informants, the newspaper reports that the conversation "was stormy." When Frederiksen stated that Greenland is not for sale, Trump allegedly took an "aggressive and confrontational" tone.
Nonetheless, the Prime Minister offered Trump the opportunity to enhance 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 struggle for independence is their own affair". He also noted that Americans and Danes may have differing opinions.
Meanwhile, Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, emphasized in a statement to Danish TV2 that Greenland's aspirations for independence are understandable, but — as she reiterated — "the island is not for sale."
Source: PAP/WP News
