US President Donald Trump on Friday renewed his threat of tariffs for countries found to oppose his long-time ambition to add Greenland to the US, as a bipartisan delegation of American lawmakers visited Copenhagen to reaffirm their support for Denmark and its autonomous Arctic land.
The two-day visit of 11 members of the US Congress was meant to send the signal that Trump’s territorial ambitions are not shared by much of the American political establishment.
Lawmakers had meetings with the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, the Prime Minister of Greenland Jens-Frederik Nielsen and senior Danish officials, with a focus on dialogue and alliance-building, and not confrontation.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski called the talks constructive and emphasised the importance of close relations between three countries – the United States, Denmark and Greenland.
She acknowledged that “the vast majority” of Americans are not fans of the idea of gaining control over Greenland, which should be seen as an ally, not an asset.
Trump, however, repeated that mineral-rich Greenland is essential to US “national security” and warned that he “may put a tariff” on countries who resist his position.
Denmark has repeatedly dismissed any talk of a takeover, declaring the point of disagreement between Copenhagen and Washington fundamental.
European countries have also increased their backing of Greenland. A Danish-led military reconnaissance mission in the Arctic, to which US forces were invited to participate, was sent by Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command to be a precaution in the wake of the possible future Russian activity in the region as a result of the war in Ukraine.
While it Russian or Chinese fighting have never been ships have never been noticed in the area, Denmark has increased its military presence on the island.
In the capital of Greenland, Nuuk, people were welcoming of the congressional visit. One local union representative dismissed Trump’s comments as the opinions of “one idiot,” saying he had full confidence the US Congress would thwart any military action.
Large demonstrations are being planned throughout Denmark as well as Greenland, including the capital of Nuuk and major Danish cities as public opposition to Trump’s proposal is continuing to build.
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