Trump revives Greenland bid at NATO summit, threatens Europe troop withdrawal

U.S. President Donald Trump reignited his pursuit of Greenland during a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, suggesting the island territory "should be under the control of the United States." He further implied that the U.S. could withdraw all its armed forces from Europe if the continent continues to resist his territorial ambitions.

“

The island territory 'should be under the control of the United States'.

Trump's comments came shortly after arriving in Turkey for the NATO summit. He expressed frustration that Europe's opposition to his desire to acquire Greenland has "damaged my relationship with NATO." He argued that Greenland is strategically important to the U.S. and is currently surrounded by Chinese and Russian ships, which he deemed unacceptable. "Greenland should be under the control of the United States, not Denmark," Trump stated, emphasizing that Denmark does not adequately support the island financially.

The U.S. president's remarks have once again placed Greenland, a vast, sparsely populated Arctic island, at the center of geopolitical attention. Trump's initial attempt to acquire Greenland earlier in the year became a significant transatlantic issue, despite Greenlandic representatives insisting the island is not for sale. Trump had previously not ruled out the possibility of using military force for annexation.

“

Because Greenland doesn't help Denmark. Denmark doesn't spend money to really help Greenland, but it is an important part for the United States.

Trump's latest comments also touched upon broader European security and policy. He warned Europe to be cautious about immigration and energy policies, suggesting that failure to do so could lead to a diminished Europe. "If they are not careful with those two things, you will not have Europe anymore," he cautioned.

“

And it is surrounded by Chinese ships and Russian ships, and that's not going to happen, those ships, that's not going to happen.

This renewed push for Greenland follows earlier discussions where Trump and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reportedly established a "framework for a future deal." A working group involving representatives from the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland has been meeting to discuss potential next steps, with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen reportedly expecting a resolution by the end of the year.

“

We could pull all of our soldiers out of Europe.