US President Donald Trump is sharpening his tone on the Greenland issue and is opening up for trade policy countermeasures against countries that oppose American plans. At the same time, resistance is growing within the EU to moving forward with a new trade agreement with the US.
During a statement at the White House on Friday, Trump signaled that economic pressure may be implemented against governments that do not back the US position on Greenland.
READ ALSO: Top Trump Official on Greenland: “We control NATO and no one will do anything to us”
However, the US president did not clarify which countries may be affected or when such measures would be introduced.
– I may impose tariffs against countries if they are not cooperative regarding Greenland because we need Greenland for our national security.
READ ALSO: Trump to Continue Conquest Tour: “We need Greenland”
Watch Trump’s statement on tariffs against countries resisting his plans for Greenland:
White House: US Doesn’t Care About European Troops There
Military activity on Greenland has increased in recent days. According to Reuters, Denmark previously had about 150 Danish soldiers stationed on the island—which is now set to be reinforced.
READ ALSO: Danish Order: Greenland Should Be Defended Militarily
In addition, reinforcements from Sweden, Germany, Norway, Finland, and France are being sent to make a statement against US President Donald Trump.
READ ALSO: Statement from Greenland: We Don’t Want to Be Part of the US
Despite the wider European presence and the fact that more troops are on their way to the Arctic island, US President Donald Trump shows no signs of changing course. According to the White House, his ambition to take control of territory belonging to a NATO ally remains unchanged.
At a press briefing on Thursday evening, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt commented on the situation, saying:
– I don’t think European troops affect the president’s decision-making process. Nor does it affect his goal of acquiring Greenland in any way.
READ ALSO: Pål Jonson: Trump Exaggerates Russia’s Threat to Greenland
The press secretary Karoline Leavitt also commented on the meeting held between the US and Denmark at the White House. According to her, the parties agreed to set up a joint working group, but the purpose of this work is interpreted differently. Leavitt stated that the working group will discuss and prepare an American takeover of Greenland.
READ ALSO: Åkesson Demands a Clear Stand Against the US on the Greenland Issue
This description is strongly rejected by the Danish side. Denmark’s Foreign Minister and chief negotiator for the Danish-Greenlandic delegation, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, emphasized that the issue of sovereignty is non-negotiable.
– We have a red line that Denmark’s and Greenland’s sovereignty must be respected; it is as clear as Trump’s desire to take over Greenland.