Washington (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – U.S. President Donald Trump restated his interest in acquiring Greenland in his speech to Congress, smearing a picture of prosperity and safety for the “incredible people” of the island.
“We will keep you safe, we will make you rich, and together, we will take Greenland to heights like you have never thought possible before,”
Trump stated.
“It’s a very small population, a very, very large piece of land, and very, very important for military security,”
He also said.
What benefits does Trump promise to the people of Greenland?
In his address, Trump stated he had a message for the people of Greenland.
“We strongly support your right to determine your own future, and if you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America,”
Trump expressed.
He stated his government was
“working with everybody involved”
to try to get Greenland, but also said,
“I think we’re going to get it, one way or the other, we’re gonna get it,”
to laugh from his fellow Republicans in the House of Representatives section.
Even before beginning his second term as president, Trump stated he hoped to make Greenland a territory of the United States. However, NATO ally Denmark states it is not for sale. Greenland’s rich mineral resources and strategic location could benefit the U.S.
“We need it really for international world security,”
Trump expressed.
What is Greenland’s stance on independence from Denmark?
According to opinion polls, most citizens of Greenland resist joining the U.S. However, a majority endorse eventual independence from Denmark.
Trump’s interest in Greenland has revitalised that country’s independence movement, flashing calls for swift secession talks with Denmark, its former colonial ruler. However, Greenland’s ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit party has stated it will not rush an independence vote through after a March 11 general election, warning about possible economic and welfare impacts.
“The future of Greenland is really for the people of Greenland to decide,”
Denmark’s U.N. Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen said.
“Independence is possible and they have the right to self-determination.”
Lassen stated Denmark conformed with the Trump administration that in the current geopolitical environment, there was a necessity to look at further boosting security around the Arctic and
“that’s something we’ve been working together with NATO and the U.S. on for a while.”
“We share a very strong transatlantic relationship with the United States. We’ve worked very closely with the U.S. on security issues regarding Greenland and the Arctic for decades,”
She said.
