Trump had prior to this development refused to rule out the use of force in acquiring Greenland.
By Kehinde Okeowo
United State President, Donald Trump has defended his country’s decision to pay a courtesy visit to Greenland.
He justified the decision on Monday while addressing reporters at the end of a cabinet meeting.
Trump insisted that sending a delegation to Greenland was not “a provocation,” despite criticism from Danish officials.
He also reiterated his interest in acquiring the arctic territory from NATO ally Denmark.
Greenland’s prime minister and Denmark’s foreign minister had earlier condemned the planned visit by Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, and Usha Vance, the wife of Vice President JD Vance.
Speaking with journalists after Monday’s meeting, Trump said, “This is friendliness, not provocation.”
He added, “We’ve been invited, and they really like the idea because they have been somewhat abandoned.
“And I think Greenland is something that may be in our future. I think it’s important—from the standpoint of international security.”
Trump has prior to this development refused to rule out the use of force in acquiring Greenland.
Officials in his administration have cited the growing presence of Russia and China on the mineral-rich island, where sea lanes have opened up due to climate change.
US officials argue that Greenland’s strategic importance is increasing, making it a key focus for national security.
