Despite Danish authorities’ condemnation, US President Donald Trump has maintained that sending a group to Greenland was not “a provocation.”
However, Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring the arctic territory from NATO ally Denmark.
Greenland’s prime minister and Denmark’s foreign minister had both condemned the planned visit by Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, and Usha Vance, the wife of Vice President JD Vance.
“This is friendliness, not provocation,” Trump told reporters at the end of a cabinet meeting on Monday.
“We’ve been invited, and they really like the idea because they have been somewhat abandoned.
“And I think Greenland is something that may be in our future. I think it’s important—from the standpoint of international security,” he said.
Trump has previously refused to rule out the use of force in acquiring Greenland.
Officials in his administration have cited the growing presence of Russia and China on the mineral-rich island, where sea lanes have opened up due to climate change.
US officials argue that Greenland’s strategic importance is increasing, making it a key focus for national security.
Written By Ifreke Inyang