The world is watching as U.S. President Donald Trump presses ahead with his unusual demands for Greenland, shrugging off recent warnings from global leaders.
Hours after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer criticized his approach, Trump reiterated that the Greenland deal “will be done,” signaling he is determined to push his agenda regardless of mounting opposition from NATO allies.
Starmer Calls Out Coercion
Sir Keir Starmer, set to address the press at Downing Street, had contacted Trump the previous evening to warn him that trying to pressure long-standing allies was “wrong.”
His message followed a joint statement with Western leaders expressing concern about a “dangerous downward spiral” in international relations.
Despite Starmer’s warning, Trump made no retreat. In the early hours, he posted on his Truth Social platform:
“NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that ‘you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland.’
Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!”
Linking Greenland to the Nobel Peace Prize
Trump’s fixation on Greenland appears intertwined with personal grievances.
According to a letter reportedly shared with Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Støre, Trump linked his territorial ambitions to not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, claiming he “deserves” it for his actions in NATO.
“I have done more for NATO than any other person since its founding, and now, NATO should do something for the United States,” he wrote, emphasizing that U.S. interests take priority.
The Norwegian government has remained firm, noting it does not decide Nobel Peace Prize winners—a point Trump seems to ignore in his reasoning.
Threats of Tariffs and Economic Concerns
Trump has vowed to impose a 10% tariff on all imports from countries opposing his Greenland demands, potentially rising to 25% by June if his objectives are not met.
The threat has sparked concern in the UK, where analysts warn such measures could severely impact the pharmaceutical and automotive sectors, and even push the country toward recession due to the uncertainty caused by Trump’s unconventional approach.
Some MPs have urged Sir Keir to cancel King Charles’ planned state visit to the U.S. in April as a form of protest, highlighting the growing unease in political circles.
European Leaders Signal Strong Retaliation
Meanwhile, European nations are signaling they may respond aggressively.
The EU is reportedly considering its so-called trade “bazooka,” a 2023 anti-coercion tool designed to counter political blackmail.
If deployed, it could impose £81 billion in tariffs on U.S. goods, restrict U.S. access to public tenders, limit trade licenses, and block the country from the single market.
Despite this, the White House has shown no sign of backing down.
A senior U.S. figure reportedly described Europe as “too weak to defend itself,” reinforcing the notion that Trump intends to continue his Greenland push regardless of international pressure.
Trump Questions Denmark’s Sovereignty
In his public statements, Trump has repeatedly challenged Denmark’s claim over Greenland, asserting that the land only belongs to Denmark because “a boat landed there hundreds of years ago.”
He argues that Denmark cannot defend Greenland from Russia or China and questions why the country has a legitimate right of ownership, dismissing historical claims and official agreements.
The Road Ahead
With tensions escalating, the world is left wondering what comes next.
Will economic retaliation from the EU and pressure from allies be enough to sway Trump, or will he press forward with his Greenland ambitions despite the international fallout?
One thing is clear: this geopolitical saga is far from over.
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