Denmark Ready to Talk to Trump Over Greenland and ‘Legitimate US Security Interests’
"Dear President Trump, listen very carefully," Danish politician Anders Vistisen said in European Parliament. "Greenland has been part of the Danish kingdom for 800 years. It’s an integrated part of our country. It is not for sale."
Vistisen went on to use some profanity that got him in trouble with the rest of the European Parliament.
"Let me put it in words you might understand," he said. "Mr. Trump, f–k off!"
Nicolae Stefanuta, vice-president of the European Parliament, jumped in and told Vistisen that language was not acceptable.
"If the translation was correct, the term you used is not allowed in this house and there will be consequences to the message you have used," Stefanuta said. "It is not OK in this house of democracy. Thank you. Regardless of what we think of Mr. Trump, it is not possible to use such language."
Vistisen doubled down on his statement and posted his message on X, writing, "Greenland is not for sale. Greenland has been part of Denmark for 800 years, more then double of the time the US has existed. Any true patriot should understand that this is an unacceptable attack on national sovereignty!"
Trump was asked about Greenland by reporters after he took office on Monday. "Greenland is a wonderful place, we need it for international security," Trump responded. "I’m sure that Denmark will come along — it’s costing them a lot of money to maintain it, to keep it."
On Tuesday, Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute B Egede addressed Trump’s comments about the territory.
"We are Greenlanders. We don’t want to be Americans. We don’t want to be Danish either. Greenland’s future will be decided by Greenland. Our country and our people will decide what happens to Greenland."
Earlier this month, Trump said he wouldn’t rule out using force or economic pressure to make Greenland — a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark — part of the United States. Trump said it was a matter of national security for the U.S.
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Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Trump’s comments on Greenland has sparked a heated debate on national security, sovereignty, and the future of the territory. While some see it as an opportunity for the U.S. to expand its interests, others believe it is a threat to Denmark’s claim to the territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the current diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Denmark?
A: The U.S. and Denmark have a long-standing alliance, with Denmark being a founding member of NATO.
Q: What is the current status of Greenland’s relationship with the U.S.?
A: Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, with its own government and parliament.
Q: What is the significance of Greenland in the context of U.S. national security?
A: Greenland is home to a large U.S. military base and is seen as a critical location for monitoring and surveillance in the Arctic region.