A diplomatic storm is brewing between the United States and Denmark over Donald Trump’s controversial plans to “buy” Greenland, following a tense phone call with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen earlier this month.
The 45-minute conversation, which took place on January 15, saw Trump unleash a fierce outburst after Frederiksen firmly told him that Greenland was “not for sale.”
Trump Claims Greenland is Key to National Security
Trump, 78, has long believed that Greenland holds significant strategic value for the United States.
He argues that the territory, located in the Arctic, is crucial to America’s national security, particularly as the region becomes a focal point of competition between Russia and China.
Greenland, which has been part of Denmark since 1814, is home to a critical route for U.S. military assets and boasts vast untapped mineral resources.
A source close to the matter told the Mail on Sunday: “The Danes are in crisis mode but Trump is not backing down.”
The call reportedly escalated when Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Denmark, a NATO ally, in retaliation for their refusal to consider his proposal.
Diplomatic Fallout and Threats
The conversation between Trump and Frederiksen was described as “horrendous” by a source, with Trump accusing Denmark of impeding U.S. security interests.
According to the Financial Times, the U.S. President’s response included aggressive language and suggestions of sanctions against the Danish government.
Frederiksen, reportedly enraged by Trump’s insistence, stood firm and argued that Greenland’s 57,000 residents should be the ones to decide their own future.
In response, Greenland’s foreign minister, Ane Lone Bagger, echoed Frederiksen’s sentiment, stating: “We are open for business but we’re not for sale.”
Greenland’s Strategic Importance
In defense of his position, Trump has maintained that U.S. control of Greenland is vital, citing concerns over growing Russian and Chinese investments in the Arctic region.
Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, reiterated that Trump believes the safety of Greenland is paramount for U.S. interests.
However, former Danish foreign minister Mogens Lykketoft criticized Trump’s proposal, calling it an imperialistic move from a large country toward a much smaller one.
He compared the notion of purchasing Greenland to an “imperial stretch-out.”
Trump’s Expansionist Agenda
Trump’s fixation on Greenland is just one aspect of his broader vision for American expansion.
In the past, he has suggested that Canada should become a U.S. state, called for Panama to return control of the Panama Canal, and even renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”
UK Criticism of Trump’s Behavior
The international backlash continued as the debate over Trump’s Greenland proposal spilled over to the UK. Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Calum Miller condemned Trump’s actions, calling him an unreliable partner who exploits the weaknesses of his allies.
Miller added that the UK should adopt a stance of strength when engaging with a president like Trump.
The White House declined to comment on the growing diplomatic row at the time of writing.
The dispute between the U.S. and Denmark shows no signs of resolution, with both sides remaining entrenched in their positions.
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