United States President Donald Trump has reiterated his want to annex Greenland and defended U.S. officials' visit to the country.
“I think Greenland’s going to be something that maybe is in our future. I think it’s important. It’s important from the standpoint of international security,” Trump said at a cabinet meeting on Monday (Tuesday AEDT).
“ It cannot go on the way it is. It’s not going to go on the way it is.”
This comes after Greenland leaders criticised high-profile U.S. leaders for their visit to the country.
The visit is being led by Usha Vance, the wife of U.S. Vice-President JD Vance, White House national security advisor, Mike Waltz and energy secretary Chris Wright.
Greenland Prime Minister, Múte B. Egede told Greenland newspaper, the Sermitsiaq that the visit was a provocation, slamming Trump for sending Waltz.
“The only purpose is to show a demonstration of power to us, and the signal is not to be misunderstood,” Egede said.
“(Waltz) is Trump's confidential and closest advisor, and his presence in Greenland alone will certainly make the Americans believe in Trump's mission, and the pressure will increase after the visit.”
Egede also called for more support from the country’s democratic allies.
“Until recently, we could safely trust the Americans, who were our allies and friends, and with whom we liked to work closely,” he said.
“We need our other allies to clearly and distinctly come with their support and backing for us.”
Other Greenland leaders have chimed in on the matter, including Chairman of the trade union, Jess Berthelsen who said he no longer finds the U.S. visit reassuring in recent times.
Berthelsen recommended closer cooperation with Denmark rather than the U.S.
“I have said several times from the beginning that we must strengthen our cooperation with Denmark in mutual respect, and that the EU and the Nordic countries should be involved,” he said.
Danish politicians have called for the U.S. to foot the bill for Usha Vance, Waltz and Wright to visit Greenland.
“This is about an American who is not invited and who comes with the sole goal of annexing part of Danish territory,” tax spokesperson for the Danish People’s Party, Peter Kofod said.
“It's a charm offensive that ends up being paid for by the Danes.”
