Denmark pledged to defend its territory after President Donald Trump renewed his call for the U.S. to control Greenland—overshadowing the NATO summit in Turkey.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Denmark would defend “every inch” of the NATO territory with the alliance’s support and stressed that Greenland is not for sale, urging all allies to respect the island’s right to self-determination.
Trump on Tuesday renewed his call for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, arguing that the Arctic island “should be controlled by the United States.”
Speaking after arriving in Ankara for a NATO summit, Trump also suggested the U.S. could withdraw all of its troops from Europe if the continent continues to oppose the idea.
During a bilateral meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Trump said Europe’s resistance to his proposal had strained his ties with NATO. “Because Greenland doesn’t help Denmark. Denmark doesn’t spend money to really help Greenland, but it’s an important part for the United States,” he told reporters.
