President Trump had a “firm” phone conversation with Denmark’s prime minister last week to convey his serious intentions of acquiring Greenland, according to a report citing officials privy to the talk.
Trump has been aggressive in his desire to make Greenland a US territory to bolster national security in the Arctic region — and has even refused to rule out using “military force” to get it.
The Danish government, which has ownership of the largest island in the world, has said Greenland is not for sale and will not be a part of the US.
Trump’s conversation with Danish PM Mette Fredericksen, in which he stood unwavering behind his intentions, did not go well, European sources familiar with the discussion told the Financial Times.
“It was horrendous,” a source said.
Another source said Trump “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,” the person said.
A third source told the outlet, “The intent was very clear.
“[Trump officials] want it. The Danes are now in crisis mode.”
A fourth said, “The Danes are utterly freaked out by this.”
Trump’s team had previously relayed to The Post that the president was “100% serious” in his intentions on Greenland and also retaking the Panama Canal.
The president has said his interest in mineral-rich Greenland comes from needing “economic” and national security in the Arctic, as both Russia and China are gaining interests in the region.
“President 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,” National Security Council rep Brian Hughes said in a statement to The Post.
“The President is committed to not only protecting U.S. interests in the [Arctic] but also working with Greenland to ensure mutual prosperity for both nations.”
To become a part of the US, Greenlanders would first have to vote for independence from Denmark and then vote to become an American territory.
Greenland’s leader, Múte Egede, said in a recent press conference that he will be open to having conversations about cooperation with the US but stressed that the islanders have no interest in becoming a part of America.
