Donald Trump's unequivocal message ahead of key meeting on Greenland's future: 'Anything else is unacceptable' and NATO 'knows' it
Donald Trump, photographed during a speech given to American soldiers on June 10, the day of the US Army, PHOTO: Melissa Sue Gerrits / Getty images / Profimedia
US President Donald Trump said in a new message that the United States will accept nothing less than taking control of Greenland and recalled the US force in NATO.
“The United States needs Greenland for national security purposes. It is vital to the 'Golden Dome' we are building. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DON'T, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT WILL NOT HAPPEN!”, Trump wrote in a message published on his Truth Social social network.
“Militarily, without the vast power of the United States, much of which I built during my first term and which I am now taking to a new and even higher level, NATO would not be an effective force or deterrent – not even close! They know it, and I know it. NATO becomes much more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES,” the White House leader continued.
“Anything less than this is unacceptable. Thank you for your attention to this matter! DJT President,” Donald Trump concluded his message.
White House meeting on Greenland's future
Trump's comments come as the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland meet with US Vice President JD Vance at the White House on Wednesday, after weeks of threats from the president that the US would take control of the largest island on Earth, an autonomous territory of Denmark.
Greenland and Denmark say the island is not for sale, that threats of force are reckless and that security issues should be resolved between the allies. Major EU countries supported Denmark.
Denmark's foreign minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, and his Greenland counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt, are expected to present a common front in the meeting with Vance and other US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“We choose the Greenland we know today — as part of the Kingdom of Denmark,” Motzfeldt said in a statement issued Tuesday by the Danish ambassador to the US.
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also reiterated Greenland's commitment to Denmark, calling the situation “a geopolitical crisis” and rejecting the prospect of becoming a US territory.
Trump: “That's their problem”
Trump, questioned by reporters Tuesday night, dismissed Nielsen's statement that Greenland preferred to remain part of Denmark.
“That's their problem. I don't agree with them. I don't know who he is. I don't know anything about him, but this is going to be a big problem for him,” the American leader said.
White House officials considered various plans to control Greenland, including the possible use of the US military and payments to the Greenlanders to persuade them.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the most difficult part of the dispute over Greenland's future could be at any time.
Denmark and Greenland initially requested a meeting with Rubio, hoping to have a discussion between senior diplomats about resolving the crisis between the two NATO allies.
But Rasmussen said Vance also wanted to attend and that the vice president would host the meeting himself at the White House.
