Trump Says Greenland Will Be Free of Russian Threat Amid Tensions Over Sale
US President Donald Trump has claimed that Greenland has been unable to fend off “Russian threats” despite warnings spanning more than two decades.
In a post on X, the White House wrote:
“NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland. Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!”
The statement comes as Trump prepares to meet NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at Davos, where the World Economic Forum begins on Monday.
Rutte spoke with Trump on Sunday (local time) regarding the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic, amid Washington’s threat to impose 10 percent tariffs on Denmark and other European Union countries. He confirmed that he will meet Trump this week in Davos.
In a post on X, Rutte said:
“Spoke with POTUS regarding the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic. We will continue working on this, and I look forward to seeing him in Davos later this week.”
No further details of their discussion were shared.
Meanwhile, several European nations have expressed solidarity with Denmark and Greenland amid Trump’s threat of tariffs. A joint statement by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, released by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, clarified that the ‘Arctic Endurance’ exercise poses no threat and affirmed their support for Denmark and the people of Greenland.
The statement also warned that the threat of tariffs could undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous escalation.
On Saturday, Trump had warned he might impose tariffs on the United Kingdom and other European nations unless they agree to sell Greenland. He framed the move as necessary for US national security, citing growing Chinese and Russian interest in the territory.
Trump offered to negotiate with the European countries but cautioned that tariffs would escalate to 10 percent from February 1, 2026, and 25 percent from June 1, 2026, if no agreement is reached, asserting that it was “time for Denmark to give back” after years of US support. (Agencies)
