RIGHT NOW: Double threats against Denmark – “does not rule out”

USA
Trump’s moves against Denmark

Amanda Hällsten,

Nelly Kronstrand

Updated 19.32 | Published 17.40

Donald Trump gave his first speech after being approved by Congress.

He did not rule out using the military to take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal.

– We need them for economic security, he says.

On Monday, the US Congress gathered to vote on whether to approve Donald Trump's  election win in November.

Today he gave a speech at his residence at Mar-a-Lago.

Among other things, he said that he will lift Joe Biden’s ban on  drillingfor for oil and gas along large parts of the US coastline.

– We will drill, he says.

He also said that he does not “rule out” using the military to take control of the Panama Canal and Greenland. Greenland.

During the conference, Trump said that he is ready to impose punitive tariffs on Denmark if an agreement is not reached.

– We need them for economic security, he says.

Trump gives his first speech after being approved by Congress. Photo: Evan Vucci / AP

Greenland: Not for sale

Greenland has come under discussion after his son Donald Trump Jr. landed there earlier today.

Shortly afterwards, Donald Trump wrote on social media that “they and the free world need security, strength and peace. The deal must be done”.

At the same time, Greenland has made it clear that they are “not for sale”.

“We are not for sale and never will be,” writes Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede to DR.

Frederiksen: Close ally

On Tuesday evening, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen commented on Trump’s statement.

She does not believe that the US will use the military to take control of Greenland.

– As a very close ally of the US, I think there is reason to be happy about the increasing American interest. But it will have to be done in a way that respects the Greenlandic people, she says, according to TV2.

Sweden's former Prime Minister Carl Bildt has also reacted to Trump's statements.

On X, Bildt writes:

"It was something of a political nuclear detonation in relation to the Danish ally".
 

FACTS

Why does Trump want to buy Greenland?

1. Strategic location in the Arctic
   Greenland is the key to control over the Arctic, where the ice is melting and opening up new shipping lanes and resources. The US wants to secure its influence in a region where China and Russia are also expanding.
2. Natural resources
   Greenland has large reserves of valuable natural resources such as oil, gas and rare earth metals - raw materials that are crucial for modern technology and military equipment.
3. Military presence
   The US already has a military base in Thule, northern Greenland. Buying the island strengthens US defense capabilities.
   
4. Symbolic power and prestige
   Trump sees the purchase as a modern version of the great land deals of history, such as the Alaska Purchase in 1867. It would cement his legacy as a strategic leader.

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Five points about Trump's statement on Greenland

Amanda Hällsten

Published 19.44

Donald Trump. Photo: Evan Vucci / AP

US President-elect Donald Trump wants to claim Greenland.

He is considering deploying the military to "take control" of the area.

At the same time, his son is on Greenlandic soil.

1. Wants to buy Greenland

Donald Trump has been talking about wanting to buy Greenland for several years. In 2019, he raised the idea in an interview where he said it was "strategically interesting" and would be a "big deal".

2. “National Security”

Last month, he aired his plans to buy Greenland again, writing that he wants to do it “for national security and freedom.” He believes the area has a strategically important position for US national security.

           

        Trump Jr arrives in Greenland. Photo: Emil Stach / Scanpix Denmark

3. Donald Trump JR lands

On Tuesday, the spotlight was once again turned on Greenland when his son Donald Trump JR landed there. He is said to be there “as a tourist” and has no official meetings – but was greeted by people wearing Trump caps.

4. “Gotta get it done”

On Tuesday, Donald Trump wrote on social media that “the deal has to get done.” In a speech from his Mar-a-Lago residence, he said he was considering deploying the military to take control of the area. He is also threatening Denmark with “punitive tariffs” if he is not allowed to buy Greenland.

             

           Mette Fredriksen, Prime Minister of Denmark. Photo: Lise Aaserud / NTB

5. “Not for sale”

Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede has responded to the speculation.

“We are not for sale and never will be,” he writes.

On Tuesday evening, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen commented on Trump’s statement.

She does not believe that the US will use the military to take control of Greenland.