Donald Trump condensed his reasoning to why he wants a bigger US influence in Greenland to just two words – his and vice president JD Vance’s comments have annoyed Danish officials
Donald Trump revealed his reasoning behind why he thinks the US should control Greenland in just two words. “World peace,” the American president claimed in the White House Oval Office this week.
Trump said: “We’re not talking about peace for the United States. We’re talking about world peace. We’re talking about international security.” He continued: “We have to be protective of our country, and more importantly, right now, it’s really protection, not only of our country, but of the world.”
It comes after multiple comments from the 47th president about taking over the semi-autonomous Danish territory. Vice president JD Vance, who visited a military base with his wife and other US officials yesterday, did not rule out using military force. The trip that was scaled back after Greenlanders and Danes were angered that the original itinerary was planned without consulting them.
“We need to have more of a position in Greenland for the safety of the American people,” said Vance. “What we think is going to happen is Greenlanders are going to choose through self-determination to become independent of Denmark.
“I think talking about anything in the future is way too premature. We do not think military force is ever going to be necessary. We think this makes sense. We believe the people of Greenland are rational and good. We think we’ll be able to cut a deal.”
Vance said Denmark had “has underinvested in security architecture” in Denmark. Denmark says it has increased its own investment into Arctic defence and in January announced 14.6 billion Danish kroner (£1.21 billion) in financial commitments for Arctic security covering three new naval vessels, long-range drones and satellites.
Trump has made repeated statements about annexing Greenland. In mid-March, he was asked about a potential annexation during an Oval Office meting with NATO secretary general Mark Rutte.
Trump responded: “I think it will happen.” This week, he also said the US needs Greenaldn for “international safety and security”, adding “we need it; we have to have it”.
There is little to no support for joining the US within Greenland. Of the six political parties that contested the general election in the territory this month, five support independence for Greenland, while one advocates remaining part of Denmark.
A poll of by YouGov and Yahoo! News of 1,677 American adults revealed that just 19 percent said they would favour the US annexing Greenland. Around 49 percent said they opposed the idea, while 26 percent said they were unsure.
Denmark’s officials have expressed visible irritation. Foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen suggested the Trump administration should watch its “tone”.
“Many accusations and many allegations have been made… and of course we are open to criticism,”Rasmussen said. “But let me be completely honest: we do not appreciate the tone in which it is being delivered. This is not how you speak to your close allies.”
Both Denmark and the US are members of NATO and Rasmussen also reminded the Trump administration of a 1951 defence agreement between Denmark and the United States.
Since 1945, the American military presence in Greenland has decreased from thousands of soldiers over 17 bases and installations on the island, he said, to the remote Pituffik Space Base in the northwest with some 200 soldiers today. The 1951 agreement “offers ample opportunity for the United States to have a much stronger military presence in Greenland”, the foreign minister said. “If that is what you wish, then let us discuss it.”
