Donald Trump issued a rather ominous three-word response this week when asked just how far he’s willing to go to acquire Greenland.
The idea of the Artic territory – currently under the control of the Kingdom of Denmark – becoming the U.S.’s 51st state has dominated the headlines since the turn of the year.
Trump and members of his administration have repeatedly pushed the narrative that the U.S. securing Greenland is vital for the country’s security, claiming that the territory is necessary for the construction of the planned ‘Golden Dome’ missile defence system.
The only issue is that Greenland isn’t simply a vast expanse of unclaimed terrain. It’s been under Danish sovereignty since 1814, and the Danes – as well as the majority of Greenlanders – have categorically rejected the idea that the land will be transferred.
A number of European countries have backed Denmark in their refusal to hand over Greenland to Trump and the U.S., leading to tensions within NATO and birthing the fear that the alliance may be under threat.
Speculation last week even suggested that Trump might consider an invasion of Greenland if his attempts to purchase the land are unsuccessful. It should be noted that the POTUS has not publicly refuted that idea.
Trump is widely expected to put forward his argument today, January 21, at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davis, Switzerland. Other political heavyweights, including French president Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be there, and it’s assumed Trump will use the event to further his own agenda.
The 79-year-old has said a number of times that the taking over of Greenland must happen, stressing that it would be done “the easy way” or “the hard way“.
Speaking at a “surprise” press conference to mark the anniversary of the first year of his second term as president, Trump answered reporters with three concerning words when asked how far he was prepared to go to acquire Greenland.
“You’ll find out,” Trump said.
The president also fielded questions over whether he was prepared to see NATO dissolved as a consequence of his determination over Greenland.
“I think something’s going to happen that’s going to be very good for everybody,” he explained.
“I think that we will work something out… NATO is going to be very happy and where we’re going to be very happy. But we need it for security purposes, we need it for national security and even world security. It is very important.”
Despite the U.S. being the only NATO country to activated the treaty’s Article 5 agreement (requiring all members to come to the aid of an attacked member), Trump also expressed doubt as to whether other countries would help the U.S. if they were in trouble.
“The big fear I have with NATO is we spend tremendous amounts of money with NATO and I know we’ll come to their rescue but I just really do question whether or not they’ll come to ours,” Trump said.
Do you think Greenland will end up in the U.S.’s hands? Let us know in the comments box.