U.S. ambassador to Denmark: Trump abandoned idea of forceful control over Greenland
President Donald Trump has abandoned the idea of using force to establish control over Greenland.
This was stated by U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Kenneth Howery during the opening of a new American consulate in Nuuk, Danish media report TV2 and Berlingske.
According to the diplomat, the president has ruled out the use of military force from discussion of the issue. He stressed that the future of Greenland must be determined by the island's own residents, and that this is their sovereign decision.
Earlier in January, Trump told The Atlantic that the United States "needs" to establish control over Greenland, citing defense concerns. He argued that the island holds strategic importance for U.S. security.
Trump has also repeatedly criticized Denmark, claiming it is allegedly unable to provide an adequate level of protection for Greenland. According to him, the island, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, is supposedly in an area of activity by Russian and Chinese vessels and requires enhanced control.
Later, however, he clarified that he does not intend to seize the territory by military means and also spoke about the possible purchase of Greenland. In public statements, Trump has also made comments about expanding the United States through new territories, including joking remarks about the possible annexation of other countries and regions.
In March, Danish outlet DR reported, citing sources, that Danish troops arriving in Greenland allegedly brought explosives due to fears of a possible U.S. attack scenario.
