During a 45-minute conversation between Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, the latter did not retract his threats to impose high tariffs if Denmark did not relinquish Greenland.
In an urgently convened session held under “strict confidentiality,” Prime Minister Frederiksen informed the Danish parliament about her conversation with Trump, which took place yesterday.
Frederiksen stated that Trump did not withdraw his threats of punitive tariffs, adding that the U.S. side expressed concerns that, unfortunately, there might be a situation where Denmark would be less engaged with the U.S. in economic matters.
“We do not want any conflicts with the Americans in the trade sphere. But, of course, we are in the process (of preparing) together with companies, business organizations, and our European colleagues,” Frederiksen said.
The Danish government will continue discussions on the Greenland situation with the Trump administration once Trump officially takes office on Monday, she noted.
Although Frederiksen said she couldn’t reveal much about the conversation, she mentioned that Trump called Denmark a “great country.”
When asked if the conversation with Trump had eased the crisis between the United States and Denmark, Frederiksen did not answer directly but emphasized that “we are in a serious situation.”
“We are doing everything we can to handle this as wisely and effectively as possible,” Frederiksen added.
Trump, who will take office on January 20, had reignited the idea of purchasing the strategically important and resource-rich Arctic island of Greenland last week.
