Trump says Greenland takeover needed for ‘world peace’

US President Donald Trump says america must take over Greenland for “world peace,” as he doubled down on his ambitions to annex the strategically positioned, resource-rich Danish territory.

“We aren’t speaking about peace for america. We’re speaking about world peace. We’re speaking about worldwide safety,” Trump advised reporters on the White Home.

Vice President JD Vance, his spouse and different senior US officers visited an American navy base in Greenland on Friday in a visit that was scaled again after an uproar amongst Greenlanders and Danes who have been irked that the unique itinerary was deliberate with out consulting them.

Quickly after arriving, Vance briefly addressed US troops stationed on the base as he and his spouse sat right down to lunch with them, saying that he’s “actually fascinated about Arctic safety”.

“As you all know, it’s an enormous situation and it’s solely going to get greater over the approaching a long time,” stated Vance, who was scheduled later to obtain briefings from navy officers and ship remarks.

The revised journey to the semi-autonomous Danish territory comes as relations between the US and the Nordic nation have soured after Trump repeatedly urged that america ought to, in some kind, management the mineral-rich territory managed by Denmark – a conventional US ally and NATO member.

Friday’s one-day go to to the US Area Power outpost at Pituffik, on the northwest coast of Greenland, eliminated the danger of doubtless violating diplomatic customized by sending a delegation to a different nation with out an official invitation. It’ll additionally scale back the chance that Vance and his spouse will cross paths with residents angered by Trump’s bulletins.

Throughout his go to, Vance was anticipated to obtain briefings and ship remarks to US service members on the bottom, in keeping with the vice chairman’s workplace. His delegation consists of the nationwide safety adviser, Mike Waltz, and Power Secretary Chris Wright, in addition to second girl Usha Vance.

In line with a senior White Home official, Vance was anticipated to make the case that Danish leaders have “spent a long time mistreating the Greenlandic individuals, treating them like second-class residents and permitting infrastructure on the island to fall into disrepair”.

The official, who was not licensed to remark publicly and requested anonymity to preview the vice chairman’s message, added that Vance would emphasise the significance of bolstering Arctic safety in locations like Pituffik.

‘We should stick collectively’

Earlier than Vance’s arrival, 4 of the 5 events elected to Greenland’s parliament earlier this month signed an settlement to kind a brand new, broad-based coalition authorities. The events banded collectively within the face of Trump’s designs on the territory.

“It’s a time after we as a inhabitants are underneath stress,” the prime minister-designate, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, stated earlier than the accord was signed to applause and cheers within the capital, Nuuk.

He added that “we should stick collectively. Collectively we’re strongest,” Greenland broadcaster KNR reported.

In a submit on Instagram, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen congratulated Nielsen and his incoming authorities, and stated that “I sit up for shut cooperation in an unnecessarily conflict-filled time.”

Frederiksen stated on Tuesday that the US go to, which was initially set for three days, created “unacceptable stress.” She has stated that Denmark desires to work with the US on protection and safety, however Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.

Initially, Usha Vance had introduced a solo journey to the Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race in Sisimiut. Her husband then subsequently stated he would be part of her on that journey, solely to alter that itinerary once more – after protests from Greenland and Denmark – to a one-day go to by the couple to the navy submit solely.

Nonetheless, in an interview on Wednesday, Trump repeated his want for US management of Greenland. Requested if the individuals there have been “keen” to develop into US residents, Trump stated he didn’t know “however I believe now we have to do it, and now we have to persuade them.”

‘A bit loopy’

Inhabitants of Nuuk, which is about 1,500km (930 miles) south of Pituffik, voiced concern about Vance’s go to and the US curiosity of their island.

Cora Hoy, 22, stated Vance was “welcome if he desires to see it, however after all, Greenland just isn’t for sale.” She added that “it’s not regular round right here” with all the eye Greenland is getting. “I really feel now day-after-day is about [Trump] and I simply wish to get away from it.”

“It’s all a bit loopy. In fact, the inhabitants here’s a bit shook up,” stated 30-year-old Inuk Kristensen. “My opinion is identical as everybody’s: In fact, you don’t do issues this manner. You don’t simply come right here and say that you just wish to purchase the place.”

Because the nautical gateway to the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches to North America, Greenland has broader strategic worth as each China and Russia search entry to its waterways and pure sources.

Throughout his first time period, Trump floated the concept of shopping for the world’s largest island, whilst Denmark insisted it was not for sale. The individuals of Greenland even have firmly rejected Trump’s plans.

Vance has a number of occasions criticised longstanding European allies for counting on navy help from america, overtly antagonising companions in ways in which have generated considerations concerning the reliability of the US.