Jake Sanders, Editor
Donald Trump expressed a serious desire to acquire Greenland during a heated phone conversation with Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, according to senior European officials. The call, lasting 45 minutes, reportedly went poorly, with Frederiksen reiterating that the autonomous Arctic island was not for sale, while acknowledging the U.S.’s significant interest in it.
Officials briefed on the exchange described Trump’s tone as aggressive and confrontational, particularly after Frederiksen’s assertion that Greenland was not for sale, despite her offer to enhance cooperation on military and mineral ventures. One official described the conversation as “horrendous,” while another remarked that it was a wake-up call, indicating the seriousness and potential danger of Trump’s intentions.
These developments are likely to raise alarms in Europe about the implications of Trump’s possible return to power, as he seems to be pressuring allies for territorial concessions. He has recently suggested ambitions to take over Greenland, the Panama Canal, and even Canada.
In a related note, an aircraft purportedly carrying Donald Trump Jr. landed in Nuuk, Greenland, earlier this month. Many European leaders had hoped that Trump’s comments regarding Greenland were merely a negotiating tactic to bolster U.S. influence in the NATO territory, especially with Russia and China vying for Arctic dominance. However, the phone call with Frederiksen has dashed such hopes, worsening the foreign policy rift between NATO allies.
One official noted the intent behind Trump’s conversation was clear, stating, “They want it. The Danes are now in crisis mode.” A former Danish official revealed the conversation was tough, with Trump threatening specific actions against Denmark, such as targeted tariffs.
The Danish Prime Minister’s office has contested the interpretation of the call provided by unnamed sources. Greenland, with a population of just 57,000, is strategically important due to emerging shipping routes and mineral resources. A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council emphasized the U.S. commitment to protecting interests in the Arctic and collaborating with Greenland for mutual prosperity.
In early January, Trump threatened tariffs against Denmark if it opposed him on Greenland and hinted at the possibility of using military force to assert control over the island. He has questioned Denmark’s legal claim to Greenland, suggesting it should relinquish control for U.S. national security.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, has consistently emphasized that the island’s residents prefer independence over U.S. or Danish citizenship but welcomes American investment in mining and tourism. Frederiksen met with executives from major Danish companies to address Trump’s threats, including potential tariffs, and commented that there is significant interest regarding Greenland, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.