Former U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his campaign to gain control of Greenland, issuing a new late-night statement directed at Denmark and announcing punitive trade measures against several European countries.
Late-Night Social Media Ultimatum
In a post on his Truth Social platform just after 11 p.m. Eastern Time, Trump targeted Denmark's handling of Greenland's security. He claimed NATO has warned Denmark for two decades about the need to address Russian threats near Greenland, a vast, semi-autonomous territory. Trump declared the situation urgent, writing, "Now it is time, and it will be done!!!"
This public message marks a continuation of Trump's long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland, an ambition he pursued during his first term. His rhetoric has grown notably more aggressive, with reports indicating he has not dismissed the possibility of using military force to seize the island.
Economic Pressure and Nobel Prize Comments
Adding economic weight to his demands, Trump announced on Saturday that he is imposing tariffs on eight European nations. These tariffs will start at 10% on February 1 and could rise to 25% by June if the United States does not gain control over Greenland.
In a related development, PBS News reported that Trump sent a letter to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. In it, he suggested that not winning the Nobel Peace Prize freed him from an obligation to focus solely on peaceful solutions. This correspondence adds context to his increasingly belligerent stance on international issues.
A Pattern of Aggressive Statements
Earlier this month, Trump signaled his uncompromising approach, stating he planned to act in Greenland "whether they like it or not." He framed the choice starkly, suggesting that if the "easy way" was not possible, the U.S. would proceed with the "hard way."
The combination of social media provocations, economic threats, and ambiguous hints at military action creates a volatile situation. Trump's actions directly challenge Denmark's sovereignty and test the stability of transatlantic relations. Observers are closely watching how European governments, particularly Denmark, will respond to this multifaceted pressure campaign centered on the strategically significant Arctic island of Greenland.
