Trump’s Greenland Ambitions
President Donald Trump conveyed in a letter to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gare Stoer that he no longer felt compelled to solely focus on peace, expressing interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark for the United States.
In the letter, Trump began by voicing his displeasure regarding the Nobel Peace Prize, despite having played a role in easing tensions in several global conflicts.
Dear Jonas: Since your country has chosen not to award me the Nobel Peace Prize for preventing eight wars and more, I no longer feel obliged to think only about peace. While peace is important, I can now consider what is beneficial for the United States.
Trump argues that Denmark lacks the capability to defend Greenland from potential threats posed by China and Russia. “There are no documents tying Greenland to Denmark,” he stated.
“Denmark can’t safeguard that territory from Russia or China, so why do they claim ‘ownership’ in the first place? There’s nothing in writing; just that boats landed there centuries ago. But, we had boats landing there too,” he wrote.
Furthermore, he claimed, “I have contributed more to NATO than anyone since its inception, and now NATO should reciprocate for the United States. The world won’t be secure unless we have complete control of Greenland.”
Criticism of Greenland’s Defense
During a press conference on January 11, while aboard Air Force One heading to Washington, Trump voiced his concerns about Greenland’s defense capabilities, particularly regarding threats from China and Russia.
“Essentially, their defense consists of two dog sleds. You know what? They’re relying on two dog sleds,” he remarked. “Meanwhile, we have Russian destroyers and submarines and Chinese destroyers and submarines all around.”
Trump added, “We must prevent that from happening. If it impacts NATO, it affects NATO. They need us more than we need them. That’s a fact.”
He also suggested that if Greenland doesn’t join the United States, it could fall into the hands of Russia or China.
“If we don’t claim Greenland, Russia or China will, and I won’t allow that. I’m interested in negotiating with them. That’s the easier path. But we will acquire Greenland in the end,” he stated.
