— We're going to do something about Greenland, whether they like it or not, because if we don't, Russia or China will take over Greenland. If we don't do it kindly, we will do it the harder way Trump said during a meeting at the White House on the future of the Venezuelan oil sector.
Trump added that although he is a “fan” of Denmark,“Just because they landed there by boat 500 years ago doesn't mean they own the land.” He also repeated that he would not have Russia or China as a neighbor.
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What did Donald Trump say about Greenland?
Which countries does Trump think could take over Greenland?
Is Trump planning a payout for the people of Greenland?
How does Trump evaluate NATO?
Trump has repeatedly said that he would like to make a deal on Greenland, but that whether he (the Danes) wants it or not, he will get the island. Asked about reports about the possibility of paying tens of thousands of dollars to every resident of the island, Trump announced that he was not thinking about it – still. But he added that this could happen in the future.
Trump emphasized that the US must take possession of the island. – You have to have ownership, you can't defend leasing. And we want to defend Greenland. If we don't do it, China or Russia will – he repeated. The leader also downplayed the importance of NATO, claiming that if it were not for him, the alliance would not exist.
Similar arguments regarding Greenland and Venezuela
The US president characterized his actions towards Venezuela in a similar way, claiming that if he did not remove Nicolas Maduro, Russia or China would take control of the country. He also noted that he is open to doing business with both countries, especially China, regarding the sale of crude oil to them.
Trump also criticized Europe's approach to securityclaiming that Russia is not afraid of it and that the only country Moscow is afraid of is the United States. He recalled that when the US seized a Russian tanker, Moscow decided not to take action.
