Donald Trump has reignited tensions with Denmark after insisting the United States should take control of Greenland.
Denmark has insisted Greenland is “not for sale” after Donald Trump renewed his calls for the United States to take control of the Arctic island.
The US president reignited tensions as Nato leaders met in Ankara, repeating his claim that America should control Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said her country was prepared to defend its territory and backed Greenland’s right to decide its own future.
She said: “We are ready to defend every inch of Nato, including our own territory.”
Ms Frederiksen added: “We hope that all, including all allies, will respect the Greenland people’s right for self-determination. Greenland is, of course, not for sale.”
Mr Trump doubled down on his position, saying Greenland was “very important for the United States” but “not important for Denmark”.
The US president’s renewed comments threatened to overshadow a gathering intended to demonstrate unity among Nato allies, with leaders instead facing fresh questions over his ambitions for the Danish territory.
Iceland’s Prime Minister, Kristrun Frostadottir, said Greenland “belongs to the people of Greenland”, and called for unity in the face of Russia, which she called “the biggest threat”.
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte sought to shift the focus back to the alliance, insisting the United States remained fully committed to Nato despite the renewed tensions.
The summit had been expected to centre on defence spending and support for Ukraine, but Mr Trump’s latest remarks once again put Greenland at the heart of the discussions.
