On the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump again made the strategically important Arctic island a topic. The US argues that a takeover is the only way to address security risks around Greenland in the long term. “It doesn’t help Denmark, but it helps us and it is very important for us,” Trump said at a press conference.
Frederiksen called on Trump to respect Greenland’s self-determination. “Greenland is of course not for sale,” she made clear. “Of course we will defend the Kingdom of Denmark.” Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but enjoys extensive autonomy and self-government.
Trump referred to World War II: “When Denmark was overrun by the Nazis in less than a day, Hitler defeated them.” Denmark had asked the US at the time to take care of Greenland. “We did that. And then we stupidly gave it back.” Nazi Germany invaded Denmark on April 9, 1940; the US acted as a protecting power over Greenland until the end of the war.
Source: Stadt München
