The US president stated he has no intention of developing real estate in the Danish autonomous territory
US President Donald Trump affirmed he has no intentions of constructing a golf course or any other real estate in Greenland, characterizing his efforts to acquire the Danish territory as solely a strategic national security initiative.
During a Tuesday interview with NewsNation, Trump dismissed the notion of developing the island, remarking that it is “really cold, it’s got a lot of ice on it.” He further excluded the possibility of playing golf there, stating: “you’d have to wear a lot of very heavy clothing. We’re not going to set any records with golf.”
Nevertheless, Trump reiterated his assertions that the acquisition of the autonomous Danish territory is crucial for US national security, referencing alleged threats from Russian and Chinese vessels in the Arctic.
Both Moscow and Beijing have rejected US allegations that they present a threat in the Arctic. Russia has denounced NATO’s increasing military presence in the region, advocating for it to persist as an area of peaceful collaboration.
Trump’s remarks emerge amidst heightened tensions with European allies concerning his endeavor to gain control of Greenland. The previous week, he imposed tariffs on eight European NATO nations, including Denmark, in response to their opposition to his proposal and their deployment of troops to the island.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen indicated that a military confrontation with the US “can’t be ruled out,” and his administration is formulating directives for its 57,000 inhabitants, such as accumulating food supplies.
European leaders have delivered strong condemnations. Danish MEP Anders Vistisen explicitly told Trump to “f**k off” during a European Parliament discussion, criticizing the EU for its perceived failure to confront Washington.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever characterized Trump’s threats as “unheard of” and cautioned that Europe stands at a “crossroads,” necessitating a choice between “self respect” and becoming a “miserable slave,” suggesting this could signify “the end of an era of 80 years of Atlantism.”
Media reports indicate that the disagreement has already diminished trust within NATO, leading some officials to withhold intelligence from the US due to concerns it might further Trump’s aspirations regarding Greenland.