Trump renews call for US control of Greenland before NATO summit
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reiterated that Greenland “should be controlled by the United States,” asserting that the Arctic island holds strategic significance for American security, according to source. During a bilateral meeting prior to the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump recognised that the pursuit of US control over Greenland might influence Washington’s relationships with its NATO allies. However, he noted, “that would hurt my relationship with Nato,” as reported by source. Trump contended that Denmark has insufficiently invested in Greenland, asserting that the island’s strategic significance is increasing as China and Russia enhance their activities in the Arctic. “Greenland doesn’t help Denmark, Denmark doesn’t spend money to really help Greenland, but it’s an important part for the United States,” Trump said.
He added that Greenland “should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark.” As reported by source, Trump has previously refrained from dismissing the possibility of military action to obtain Greenland. However, he subsequently transitioned to promoting a long-term framework agreement during the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year. Source further reported that members of the Trump administration have maintained the option for more assertive actions, contending that Greenland holds significant importance for US national security.
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump participated in a dinner for NATO leaders at the Bestepe presidential compound in Ankara, receiving a warm welcome alongside his fellow leaders, as reported by source. According to source, Trump arrived following a procession of world leaders, each welcomed by the resonant strains of a military marching band. He once more extended a warm greeting to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prior to the leaders’ entrance into the venue.
Source reported that the dinner represented Trump’s initial chance at the summit to engage with other NATO leaders, including several whom he has openly criticised in recent months. Among the leaders who arrived ahead of Trump were French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, all of whom have previously faced criticism from the US President, according to source.
