U.S. President Donald Trump declined to speak about using force to seize Greenland and instead urged European countries to focus on the war in Ukraine.
He voiced such remarks during a brief telephone interview with NBC News.
Trump criticized European leaders who oppose his plans to acquire Greenland, deeming it critically important for the United States’ security in the context of external threats.
Context of the statement and Europe’s reaction
Europe should focus on the war with Russia and Ukraine, because, frankly, you can see where this has led. This is what Europe should focus on, not Greenland.
– U.S. President Donald Trump
In response to questions about possible tariffs on European countries in the event of no deal with Greenland, Trump offered a separate remark:
Yes, 100%
– Donald Trump
According to experts, the European Union is considering imposing counter-tariffs on American goods totaling around €93 billion in response to U.S. tariff threats related to the Greenland issue.
Trump also reiterated his view of the Nobel Prize, saying that his peacemaking efforts stopped eight wars and saved many lives – and that this is far more important than any award.
“I don’t care about the Nobel Prize.”
In response to these statements, the EU is considering holding an extraordinary Greenland summit and is responding to U.S. pressure with corresponding economic measures against American supplies.
Norway has full control of this, despite what they say. They love to say they have nothing to do with it, but they have everything to do with it.
– NBC News
European analysts expect the EU to strengthen coordination in response to Washington’s stance on Greenland, notably through economic measures and diplomatic pressure to curb further threats to the region.