US President Donald Trump on Tuesday connected his push to take control of Greenland with his failure to win the Nobel Peace Prize, triggering fresh political and market concerns.
In a text message sent to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and released on Monday, Trump said he no longer feels an obligation to focus only on peace after not receiving the Nobel Prize. He claimed the award committee ignored his role in stopping multiple global conflicts.
In his message, Trump said that since Norway decided not to award him the Nobel Peace Prize, he is now free to focus on what he believes is best for the United States, while still keeping peace as a priority.
Trump also questioned Denmark’s ownership of Greenland. In an official letter sent from the White House, he argued that Denmark cannot adequately protect Greenland from growing influence by Russia or China. He claimed there are no clear historical documents proving Denmark’s ownership and said the US has equal historical claims to the region.
The US President further stated that he has contributed more to NATO than any leader since its creation and suggested the alliance should now support US interests. According to Trump, global security cannot be guaranteed unless the United States gains full control of Greenland.
Adding to the tension, Trump announced a 10% import tax starting February 1 on goods from eight countries that support Denmark’s claim over Greenland. The countries affected include the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland.
European leaders have pushed back strongly against the move. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas said the European Union does not want conflict but will firmly defend its position. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for calm discussions while also opposing the proposal.
French President Emmanuel Macron described Trump’s threat as unacceptable, as protests broke out across Greenland and Denmark against any forced US takeover. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson warned that Europe would not give in to political pressure or threats.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also weighed in, stating that national sovereignty and territorial integrity are core principles of international law and must be respected.
Trump is expected to meet von der Leyen and other European leaders this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Greenland is likely to be a key topic during the discussions, keeping global markets and political observers on high alert.
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