Trump says U.S., NATO will ‘work something out’ over Greenland dispute

Former United States President Donald Trump has said the U.S. and its NATO allies would “work something out” over the ongoing dispute surrounding Greenland, even as he reiterated Washington’s security interest in the Arctic island.

Trump made the remarks a few hours before departing for the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

“I think that we will work something out where NATO’s going to be very happy and where we’re going to be very happy,” Trump said.

Despite the conciliatory tone, Trump again stressed that Greenland is vital to U.S. national security, maintaining his long-held position that the island should come under American control.

When asked how far he would be willing to go to achieve that objective, the Republican leader replied cryptically: “You’ll find out.”

Trump disclosed that the U.S. had planned several meetings on Greenland during the high-level economic summit in Davos, although he declined to name the participants.

He had earlier suggested that discussions involving parties to the dispute between the U.S. and European countries would take place on the sidelines of the forum.

Greenland, an autonomous territory, belongs to Denmark, a NATO member. Trump’s comments have previously triggered diplomatic tension, particularly after European allies publicly voiced support for Denmark and Greenland’s sovereignty.

In response to the opposition, Trump said he would impose punitive tariffs from February 1 to pressure countries resisting the proposed sale of the Arctic island to the United States.

Reacting to widespread opposition among Greenlanders to joining the U.S., Trump dismissed the concerns, saying: “When I speak to them, I’m sure they’ll be thrilled”.