Germany and France Condemn Trump’s Greenland Takeover Remarks

Germany and France have issued stern warnings to Donald Trump after the incoming U.S. president refused to rule out using military force to acquire Greenland, Denmark’s autonomous territory.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the sanctity of national borders. “The principle of the inviolability of borders applies to every country, no matter its size or power,” he said. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the European Union would not tolerate threats to its sovereign borders.

Their remarks follow Trump’s repeated interest in Greenland, a desire he first voiced during his presidency in 2019. On Tuesday, he reiterated the Arctic island’s importance to U.S. national and economic security, describing it as “critical.”

Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, who is advocating for independence from Denmark, has made it clear the territory is not for sale. Denmark, a NATO ally of the United States, has also firmly rejected any notion of selling Greenland.

Chancellor Scholz expressed “incomprehension” over Trump’s comments, highlighting the potential strain on NATO. “NATO remains the cornerstone of our defense and transatlantic relations,” he noted.

Barrot, speaking on France Inter radio, downplayed the likelihood of an invasion but warned of a growing global trend toward “survival of the fittest.” He urged Europe to “wake up and build up its strength” in the face of such provocations.

While Germany and France lead the EU, the bloc lacks its own defensive capabilities, relying instead on NATO, of which most member states, including Denmark, Germany, and France, are part.

During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, less than two weeks before his second inauguration, Trump refused to rule out military or economic actions to acquire Greenland or even the Panama Canal. “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two,” he said in response to a question.