Trump will not rule out navy drive to take Greenland

NUUK, Greenland — The Danish international minister on Saturday scolded the Trump administration for its “tone” in criticizing Denmark and Greenland, saying his nation is already investing extra into Arctic safety and stays open to extra cooperation with the U.S.

International Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen made the remarks in a video posted to social media after U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s go to to the strategic island. Later Saturday, although, U.S. President Donald Trump maintained an aggressive tone, telling NBC Information that “I never take military force off the table” with regard to buying Greenland.

“Many accusations and many allegations have been made. And of course we are open to criticism,” Rasmussen mentioned talking in English. “But let me be completely honest: we do not appreciate the tone in which it is being delivered. This is not how you speak to your close allies. And I still consider Denmark and the United States to be close allies.”

Greenland is a territory of Denmark, which is a NATO ally of america. Trump needs to annex the territory, claiming it is wanted for nationwide safety functions.

In Saturday’s interview, Trump allowed that “I think there’s a good possibility that we could do it without military force.”

“This is world peace, this is international security,” he mentioned, however added: “I don’t take anything off the table.”

Trump additionally mentioned “I don’t care” when requested within the NBC interview what message it will ship to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who’s making an attempt to solidify his maintain on Ukrainian territory three years after his invasion.

Vance on Friday mentioned Denmark has “underinvested” in Greenland’s safety and demanded that Denmark change its method as Trump pushes to take over the Danish territory.

Vance visited U.S. troops on Pituffik Area Base on mineral-rich Greenland alongside his spouse and different senior U.S. officers for a visit that was finally scaled again after an uproar amongst Greenlanders and Danes who weren’t consulted in regards to the authentic itinerary.

“Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland,” Vance mentioned Friday. “You have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people. That has to change.”

Trump on Friday launched a video on his social networking web site Fact Social entitled “America Stands With Greenland,” displaying footage of U.S. troops there throughout World Struggle II.

In Greenland, Vance mentioned the U.S. has “no option” however to take a big place to make sure the safety of the island as he inspired a push in Greenland for independence from Denmark.

“I think that they ultimately will partner with the United States,” Vance mentioned. “We could make them much more secure. We could do a lot more protection. And I think they’d fare a lot better economically as well.”

The response by members of Greenland’s parliament and residents has rendered that unlikely, with anger erupting over the Trump administration’s makes an attempt to annex the huge Arctic island. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen pushed again on Vance’s declare that Denmark is not doing sufficient for protection within the Arctic, calling her nation “a good and strong ally.”

And Greenlandic lawmakers on Thursday agreed to type a brand new authorities, banding collectively to withstand Trump’s overtures. 4 of the 5 events elected to Greenland’s parliament earlier this month have agreed to type a coalition that may have 23 of 31 seats within the legislature.

The next day, Danish King Frederik X posted on Fb: “We live in an altered reality. There should be no doubt that my love for Greenland and my connectedness to the people of Greenland are intact.”

A whole bunch of protesters demonstrated Saturday exterior the U.S. Embassy within the Danish capital Copenhagen with some lifting indicators saying, “back off, USA” Danish broadcaster TV2 reported.

Even Greenland’s nationwide dogsled race – Avannaata Qimussersu – which kicked off Saturday with some 37 mushers and 444 canines was not left unaffected. Usha Vance, the vp’s spouse, who was initially scheduled to attend the race opted out when her husband determined to hitch the journey and go to the navy base as a substitute, lowering the probability that they might cross paths with Greenlanders.

Løkke Rasmussen, in his video, reminded viewers of the 1951 protection settlement between Denmark and america. Since 1945, the American navy presence in Greenland has decreased from hundreds of troopers over 17 bases and installations on the island, he mentioned, to the distant Pituffik Area Base within the northwest with some 200 troopers in the present day.

The 1951 settlement “offers ample opportunity for the United States to have a much stronger military presence in Greenland,” the international minister mentioned. “If that is what you wish, then let us discuss it.”

Løkke Rasmussen added that Denmark has elevated its personal funding into Arctic protection. In January, Denmark introduced 14.6 billion Danish kroner (US$2.1 billion) in monetary commitments for Arctic safety overlaying three new naval vessels, long-range drones and satellites.