‘Danes in crisis mode’ in fallout of Donald Trump’s ‘explosive’ 45-minute phone call with country’s Prime Minister after she told him Greenland was ‘not for sale’
A major diplomatic row has erupted between the US and Denmark over Donald Trump’s plans to ‘buy’ Greenland.
It follows an ‘explosive’ 45-minute phone call by Mr Trump, 78, to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, 47, earlier this month in which he is said to have unleashed a ‘torrent of aggression’ after she defiantly told him her country was ‘not for sale’.
Mr Trump claims Greenland is critical to America’s national security and has refused to rule out using military force to take over the self-governing Arctic territory, which has been part of the Kingdom of Denmark since 1814.
Last night a source told the MoS: ‘The Danes are in crisis mode but he’s not backing down.’
According to a report in the Financial Times, Mr Trump’s ranting call – made on January 15, five days before his inauguration – included threats to impose tariffs on Denmark, a Nato ally.
A source said: ‘It was horrendous. Before, it was hard to take it seriously but I do think it’s serious and potentially very dangerous.’
Mr Trump has argued US control of Greenland is vital to America’s national security in countering threats in the region from Russia and China.
It is the shortest route from Europe to North America and important for the US’s ballistic missile warning system.
Donald Trump unleashed a torrent of aggression in a ‘horrendous’ fiery 45-minute phone call with Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, as the pair discussed the fate of Greenland
During the call, Frederiksen (pictured) was unyielding and reportedly cited Greenland’s Parliament, which had unequivocally declared that the island was ‘not for sale’
Trump’s fixation on Greenland is emblematic of his broader vision of American expansionism. Pictured, the capital of Greenland, Nuuk
The US seeks a greater share in emerging trade routes with its Greenland initiative, while Russia’s Northern Sea Route and China’s Polar Silk Road have drawn significant attention in recent years
It also has vast untapped mineral resource. It is understood Ms Frederiksen told an ‘enraged’ Mr Trump that Greenland’s 57,000 residents should be allowed to decide their own future.
Brian Hughes, US National Security Council spokesman said: ‘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.
‘The President is committed to not only protecting US interests in the Arctic but working with Greenland to ensure mutual prosperity for both nations.’ But Greenland’s foreign minister Ane Lone Bagger replied: ‘We are open for business but we’re not for sale.’
And in a Times Radio interview, former Danish foreign minister Mogens Lykketoft described Mr Trump’s plan as ‘an imperial stretch-out from a big country towards a very small country’.
Mr Trump’s fixation on Greenland is part of his broader desire for American expansionism. He has called for Canada to declare itself a US state, demanded that Panama return control of the Panama Canal and has renamed the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America.
A spokesperson for the White House last night declined to comment. Last night, the row spread to the UK after Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Calum Miller condemned Mr Trump’s behaviour.
Mr Miller said: ‘He is not a reliable partner who is willing to work with allies. The UK should engage from strength, rather than go cap in hand to a president who looks to take advantage of anyone who shows weakness.’
