US President Donald Trump has tied his push to take over Greenland to his frustration at failing to win the Nobel Peace Prize, revealing that he no longer feels compelled to think “purely of peace,” according to Reuters.
Potential Trade War
The conflict over the Arctic island, reignited on Monday, now threatens to turn from a dispute into a broader trade confrontation with Europe.
Trump has recently intensified his campaign to take control of Greenland from fellow NATO ally Denmark, warning of punitive tariffs against nations that oppose his attempts.
In response, the European Union began to consider retaliatory measures, sparking concerns over a fresh transatlantic trade clash.
“We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it,” Trump said in response to a reporter’s question.
Greenland
Greenland’s strategic location between Europe and North America makes it a critical site for the US ballistic missile defense system.
Moreover, the island’s rich mineral reserves align with Washington’s broader goal of decreasing reliance on China.
“We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not,” Trump said at a White House meeting.
Trump said that he wants to make a deal—the easy way. But if that fails, we’ll do it the hard way.
Nobel Peace Prize
In a written message to Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere that was seen by Reuters, Trump said: “Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America.”
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has annoyed Trump by ruling him out from the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize and rewarding it to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina.
Last week, Machado gave her medal to Trump during a White House meeting.
However, the Nobel Committee declared that the prize cannot be transferred, shared or revoked.
US National Security
Trump argued that securing the mineral-rich island is vital to US national security as Russia and China are increasing their military activity in the Arctic.
“We’re not going to have Russia or China occupy Greenland. That’s what they’re going to do if we don’t. So, we’re going to be doing something with Greenland, either the nice way or the more difficult way,” Trump added.
In recent years, both nations have increased military operations in the Arctic. However, neither has staked a claim to the vast icy island.
Trump’s message also featured his accusation that Denmark cannot safeguard the island from the mounting concerns of both Russia or China.
“… and why do they have a ‘right of ownership’ anyway?” he wrote, adding: “The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland.”
New Threats
On Saturday, the US President pledged to impose a wave of escalating tariffs beginning February 1 on Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland, as well as Britain and Norway.
He further threatened that the measures would remain effective until the US is permitted to successfully purchase Greenland.
Rejecting Blackmail
In response to Trump’s increasing threats, the EU leaders decided to hold an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday to discuss various options to resolve the dispute.
“Blackmail between allies of 250 years, blackmail between friends, is obviously unacceptable,” French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said.
First Option
One option is a package of duties on €93 billion ($108 billion) worth of US imports, set to automatically take effect on February 6 following a six‑month suspension.
Second Option
The second one is the bloc’s Anti‑Coercion Instrument (ACI) mechanism, which could restrict US access to public tenders, investments, and banking activity, or curb trade in services where America enjoys a surplus, especially in digital industries.
However, the tariff package appears to enjoy broader support as an initial response, while backing for anti‑coercion measures remains “very mixed,” according to an EU source.
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Denmark, Greenland Set for High-Stakes White House Talks
