The US president says he does not intend to develop real estate on the Danish autonomous territory
US President Donald Trump has said he has no plans to build a golf course or other real estate in Greenland, framing his push to acquire the Danish territory as a purely strategic national security move.
In an interview with NewsNation on Tuesday, Trump dismissed the idea of development on the island, saying it’s “really cold, it’s got a lot of ice on it.” He also ruled out playing golf there: “you’d have to wear a lot of very heavy clothing. We’re not going to set any records with golf.”
Trump, however, doubled down on his claims that acquiring the autonomous Danish territory is a matter of US national security, citing supposed threats posed by Russian and Chinese ships in the Arctic.
Moscow and Beijing have dismissed US claims that they pose a threat in the Arctic. Russia has condemned NATO’s militarization of the region, calling for it to remain a zone of peaceful cooperation.
Trump’s comments come amid escalating tensions with European allies over his push to take control of Greenland. Last week, he announced tariffs on eight European NATO countries, including Denmark, for opposing his bid and sending troops to the island.
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has said a military conflict with the US “can’t be ruled out,” and his government is preparing guidelines for its 57,000 residents, including stocking up on food.
European leaders have issued sharp rebukes. Danish MEP Anders Vistisen told Trump to “f**k off” during a European Parliament debate, accusing the EU of failing to stand up to Washington.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has described Trump’s threats as “unheard of” and warned that Europe is at a “crossroads” where it must choose between “self respect” and being a “miserable slave,” arguing that this could mean “the end of an era of 80 years of Atlantism.”
According to media reports, the dispute has already eroded trust within NATO, with some officials now withholding intelligence from the US over fears it could aid Trump’s Greenland ambitions.
