Donald Trump reiterated his claim that the United States owns Greenland, saying that ownership is necessary to defend it, “you can’t defend it in a lease”. He added that he has a great respect for the people of Greenland and Denmark, but claimed that no one can protect the island “except the United States”.
He cited World War II, arguing that Denmark was defeated by Germany after six hours of fighting. Trump said that new weapon systems from Russia and China now make the territory essential for “strategic national security and international security”. He asserted that the raw materials in Greenland are not the main reason for his interest- the area is simply “a huge block of ice”.
Denmark had pledged more than $200 billion in 2019 to secure Greenland, but Trump noted that the U.S. has received less than one percent of that amount. He therefore called for “immediate negotiations” over the acquisition of Greenland, comparing the move to many territories the United States has historically acquired and to similar actions by European nations.
Trump presented Denmark with a choice, saying, “You can say yes, and we would greatly appreciate it. Or you can say no, and we will remember that”. He insisted that this was not a threat to NATO, but rather a means to enhance the security of NATO member states.
Trump recalled that after World War II the United States had returned Greenland to Denmark, calling that decision “stupid” yet claiming the land had been given back. He questioned Denmark’s gratitude and promised that any transfer of Greenland would occur “without violence”.
In the same address he praised himself, noting that he has served as president for a year and that the U.S. economy is booming again.
Regarding Venezuela, Trump said, “They had a few problems, but now we are helping them”. He claimed that oil revenues would be shared and that Venezuela would earn more in the next six months than it did in the previous twenty years.
Finally, Trump criticized renewable energy, stating that China produces all of the wind turbines but he has never seen one in China. He accused the Chinese of selling turbines to “foolish people” while using coal, gas, and “a little bit of nuclear”. According to Trump, countries that have many wind turbines will lose the most money.
