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PRESIDENT Donald Trump has informed Denmark that he can acquire Greenland either the easy way or the hard way.
The US president stated he was “going to take action on Greenland, whether they agree or not” during a White House press conference on Friday evening.
Trump stated he requires the Danish island for national security reasonsCredit: Alamy
US Vice President JD Vance touring the US military’s Pituffik Space Base in GreenlandCredit: AFP
Snow-covered buildings in Nuuk, Greenland, which the US could occupy in under 30 minutesCredit: AFP
Trump emphasized that he needs the strategically significant island, or else “Russia or China will take control of Greenland.”
He remarked: “We cannot have Russia or China as neighbors.
“I would prefer to negotiate a deal, you know, the easy way.
“But if we cannot achieve that, we will resort to the hard way.”
Trump has consistently indicated his desire for Greenland in recent days, asserting that he needs the Danish island “from a national security perspective.”
Speaking on January 9, he stated: “I admire Denmark…but, you know, the fact that they had a boat land there 500 years ago does not mean they own the land.”
This threat comes despite warnings from Copenhagen that a US invasion of Greenland would jeopardize NATO's existence.
It follows reports that Trump is considering offering $100,000 lump sums to Greenlanders .
US officials have reportedly discussed providing residents with significant payments ranging from $10,000 (£7,443) to $100,000 (£74,437) to entice islanders toward independence.
This is just one of the proposals being considered by Washington, which is “actively” discussing a potential offer to purchase the semi-autonomous Danish territory, according to Reuters.
Trump has made it clear that he desires the territory regardless of the circumstances.
He has not ruled out military action regarding the island, which is said to be lightly defended.
Danish politicians are now urging their European counterparts to pledge military support.
France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain, and Denmark have all united to back the Danish autonomous territory.
A strong statement from the European leaders, led by Sir Keir Starmer and France’s Emmanuel Macron, declared: “Greenland belongs to its people.”
The leaders added: “It is for Denmark and Greenland, and only them, to make decisions regarding matters affecting Denmark and Greenland.”
Denmark would “shoot first and ask questions later” if the US were to invade Greenland – despite Trump promising he would “always support NATO.”
However, experts suggest that if Trump attempted to invade the territory, he could face significant challenges.
An anonymous Danish politician told Politico that the mineral-rich island lacks the ability to defend itself, stating: “It could be like five helicopters... he wouldn’t require many troops.
“There would be nothing they [Greenlanders] could do.”
Four Ways Trump Could Take Greenland
HERE are four possible methods for Donald Trump to take control of Greenland:
- Invasion: Trump could easily utilize the world's strongest military to annex a poorly defended target like Greenland. Denmark might even choose to surrender before a conflict arises to avoid the risk of a complete NATO collapse. However, any assault could encounter various issues, including severe weather conditions and extended supply lines.
- Coercion: The mere threat of military intervention could compel Copenhagen to hand over the crucial island. Additionally, apart from threats, Trump could directly purchase Greenland from the Danes. Previous US administrations have attempted this at least three times since 1867.
- Free Association: Washington is reportedly already developing a plan to sign a “compact of free association” with Greenland. This agreement would resemble current arrangements the US
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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