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Trump insists on Greenland annexation: tensions with Denmark and Canada

US President Donald Trump reiterates his intention to annex Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, and sends unwelcome signals to Canada

Donald Trump, current president of the United States, continues to show interest in the annexation of Greenland, calling the move crucial for international security. During a meeting in the Oval Office with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said: ‘I think it will happen. I didn’t give it much thought before, but now I see the strategic importance. We need it for global security.’

Greenlandic elections and US icebreakers

Trump also referred to the recent elections in Greenland, which saw the success of the centre-right and the independents. ‘It was a good election for us. The person who got the most support is an important figure for us, so we will discuss that,’ the president said.

Reinforcing his proposal, Trump announced his intention to order 48 icebreakers to ensure security in the Arctic region, adding that ‘Denmark does not have the means to protect Greenland the way we can’.

Criticism from Denmark

Trump’s statements were not well received in Copenhagen. Rasmus Jarlov, chairman of Denmark’s Defence Committee, expressed disappointment at the tone of the discussion between Trump and Rutte, pointing out that an annexation of Greenland would mean a conflict between two NATO member states. ‘Greenland has just voted against immediate independence from Denmark and will never agree to become American,’ Jarlov said.

Canada and Trump’s vision

Trump did not spare comments on Canada either, reiterating that there is no chance of cancelling steel and aluminium tariffs. ‘The US spends $200 billion a year to support Canada. I love Canada, I have many friends there, but we can’t keep funding a country that doesn’t provide us with products we need,’ Trump said. The president concluded by saying that Canada would be perfect as a state of the United States, adding that the border is just ‘an artificial line drawn a long time ago’.

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