President Donald Trump has once again emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland to the United States. Speaking ahead of his trip to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum, Trump reiterated his stance on the autonomous Danish territory.
“I will be talking about Greenland with a number of leaders in Davos,” Trump told reporters, stressing that the Arctic island is “very important to America.” He further asserted, “Nobody can protect Greenland,” suggesting European leaders wouldn’t strongly oppose a potential U.S. acquisition attempt.
In a separate matter, Trump addressed French President Emmanuel Macron’s refusal to participate in the proposed ‘Gaza Peace Council’. “Nobody cares about it,” Trump stated. He then threatened to impose tariffs of up to 200% on French wine and champagne if Paris continues to decline joining the council.
Conversely, the U.S. President confirmed he had invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to participate in the Gaza Peace Council. This invitation has raised concerns among several Western nations that the council’s powers could evolve into a framework that rivals the United Nations or the UN Security Council.
Trump’s statements come as Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen called on NATO to increase its efforts in the Arctic region. This call coincides with the U.S. President’s pursuit of acquiring Greenland, citing its necessity for American national security.
European allies within NATO, particularly Denmark, strongly oppose this notion. They maintain that Greenland, which enjoys extensive self-government and is part of Danish territory, is not for sale. The island, with a population of fewer than 57,000, has repeatedly stated its disinterest in becoming part of the United States.
Regarding the Gaza Peace Council, a source close to the French presidency indicated that Paris does not intend to join at this time. The source argued that the council “goes beyond the scope of Gaza” and raises fundamental questions about respecting the principles and structure of the United Nations, which the source insisted “cannot be undermined under any circumstances.”
