In the escalating diplomatic conflict over the status of Greenland, US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened economic consequences. During an event at the White House, he stated that he might impose 'tariffs' against countries that do not support his ambitions to incorporate the Arctic island. Trump justified this with the national security interests of the United States, pointing to a threatening influence by Russia and China in the region.
The threat comes against the backdrop of 'Operation Arctic Endurance,' in which several European NATO countries are sending troops to Greenland at the invitation of Denmark. The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) participated on Thursday with 13 soldiers in this reconnaissance mission, which aims to check the military support for Denmark in maritime surveillance and the protection of critical infrastructure. France, Sweden, and Norway also sent personnel to the island.
Previously, a crisis talk in Washington between US representatives and the Danish Foreign Minister Lars L0kke Rasmussen ended without an agreement. While the White House, through spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, announced that they had agreed on a working group for 'technical discussions about the acquisition of Greenland,' Rasmussen clearly contradicted this presentation. He emphasized that a sale was not up for discussion; the planned meetings merely served to coordinate security interests.
In parallel, the Swiss security authorities are preparing for the World Economic Forum in Davos. Trump's participation there is causing a record high number of vulnerable persons and extensive security precautions.
