President Donald Trump reportedly had a 45-minute conversation about the US annexing Greenland — with Danish officials calling it a “horrendous” talk and likened it to a cold shower.
Trump in recent months has been musing about annexing Canada, the Panama Canal, and Greenland, claiming the citizens of each respective country would like becoming part of the United States.
Greenland has a small population of only 57,000 people, but is part of a key shipping route through the Arctic and has an abundance of natural critical minerals.
During the call with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Trump reiterated his seriousness in taking over the Arctic island, senior European officials told the Financial Times on Friday.
Greenland, though autonomous, belongs to the kingdom of Denmark — and Frederiksen told the president it is not for sale, despite America’s “big interest” in it, five current and former European officials briefed on the call told the outlet.
The officials said the call went badly, and that Trump was aggressive and confrontational when told the island was not for sale.
“It was horrendous,” said one of the officials.
“He was very firm. It was a cold shower. Before, it was hard to take it seriously. But I do think it is serious, and potentially very dangerous,” said another.
Though Frederiksen reportedly told Trump he couldn’t annex Greenland, she did say she was up for cooperating on establishing more military bases and critical mineral mining.
Trump setting his sights on the Arctic could have something to do with national security reasons, in light of the fact China and Russia are also eyeing the extreme north.
The officials had hoped this was the case, but now seem to have changed their position, and decided they are in danger of Trump bullying his way into acquiring Greenland.
“The intent was very clear. They want it. The Danes are now in crisis mode,” said one of the officials.
“The Danes are utterly freaked out by this,” added another.
“It was a very tough conversation. He threatened specific measures against Denmark such as targeted tariffs,” said a third.
At the same time, however, Frederiksen’s office said it did “not recognize the interpretation of the conversation given by anonymous sources.”
A White House National Security Council spokesperson said Trump “has been clear that the safety and security of Greenland is important to the United States as China and Russia make significant investments throughout the Arctic region,” according to the Financial Times.
“The President is committed to not only protecting US interests in the Arctic but also working with Greenland to ensure mutual prosperity for both nations.”
