Washington / Brussels: US President Donald Trump said he no longer feels obligated to think “purely of peace” after being passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize, adding that the world will not be safe unless the United States has complete control of Greenland, according to comments published on Monday.
Trump’s remarks have further strained transatlantic relations, as European leaders closed ranks against Washington’s push to take over the Danish autonomous territory, which the US president has vowed to acquire “one way or the other.”
Germany and France condemned Trump’s reported threats to impose new tariffs on countries opposing his Greenland plan, describing the move as “blackmail.” European leaders said the EU is preparing trade countermeasures in response.
The European Union announced an emergency summit on Thursday, stressing that while its priority is to “engage, not escalate,” it is ready to act if necessary.
Greenland rejects pressure
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the tariff threats would not alter the territory’s stance.
“We will not be pressured,” Nielsen wrote on Facebook, adding that Greenland “is a democratic society with the right to make its own decisions.”
Trump, however, doubled down in a message to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, stating that the world “is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland.” The message’s authenticity was confirmed by Norway’s government.
Trump also dismissed peace as his primary obligation, citing his failure to win last year’s Nobel Peace Prize.
“Peace will still be predominant,” he said, “but I can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America.”
Støre responded by clarifying that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by an independent committee, not the Norwegian government.
Security concerns and Arctic tensions
Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is vital to US national security, claiming Denmark cannot protect the territory from Russia or China, despite existing US military presence and NATO security agreements.
Denmark’s Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said NATO allies have already increased military presence and training in the Arctic and North Atlantic. He confirmed meetings with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte were underway.
Tariff threats spark backlash
Trump said several European countries — including Denmark, Germany, France, the UK, and Nordic states — could face 10% tariffs from February 1, with the possibility of higher duties.
Germany’s Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil and France’s Finance Minister Roland Lescure called the move unacceptable, warning Europe is preparing a three-step response, including suspending current tariff agreements and activating anti-coercion measures.
European stock markets fell on Monday, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that a trade war benefits no one.
Greenland, where public unease over Trump’s statements is growing, also disinvited a newly appointed US Arctic envoy from attending a major dogsled race, calling the invitation inappropriate.