Donald Trump has declined to rule out using military force to seize Greenland, telling NBC News “no comment” when asked directly. In a telephone interview, the US president insisted he would “100%” push ahead with tariffs on European nations if he does not acquire the Arctic island.
Trump linked his threats to a longstanding grievance over the Nobel Peace Prize, which he claimed Norway controls. He also criticised European leaders for focusing on Greenland, arguing they should instead concentrate on the war in Ukraine. “Europe ought to focus on the war with Russia and Ukraine, because, frankly, you see what that’s gotten them. That’s what Europe should focus on – not Greenland,” he said.
European leaders have condemned Trump’s stance. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the tariff plan “completely wrong” and said any decision on Greenland belongs to its people and Denmark alone, but stopped short of promising retaliation. French President Emmanuel Macron said no amount of intimidation would work, while Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson warned the EU would not be “blackmailed”.
Denmark has proposed that Nato start surveillance operations in Greenland, with Nato chief Mark Rutte taking note, according to Danish defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen. Meanwhile, Beijing urged Washington to stop using the “so-called ‘China threat’” as justification for tariffs on European countries opposing Trump’s plan.
EU leaders called for calm, with the European Commission’s trade spokesperson Olof Gill stating they want to resolve the crisis through talks. However, he added that “should the threatened tariffs be imposed, the European Union has tools at its disposal and is prepared to respond”.
