Demonstrations Planned
Trump has publicly stated the US needs access to Greenland’s mineral resources and has criticized Denmark for what he perceives as insufficient attention to the island’s security. This pursuit of acquisition occurs despite Greenland already being protected under NATO’s security umbrella as part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Military presence in Nuuk was visibly increased on Friday, according to an AFP journalist, following Denmark’s announcement of bolstered defenses on the island. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “I don’t think troops in Europe impact the president’s decision-making process, nor does it impact his goal of the acquisition of Greenland at all.”
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen firmly countered,stating that a US acquisition of Greenland was “out of the question.”
French armed forces minister Alice Rufo explained that the European military deployment to Greenland, intended as a military exercise, aims “sending a signal” to “everyone”, including the United States, demonstrating European commitment to “defend (their) sovereignty”.
Britain,Finland,France,Germany,the Netherlands,Norway,and Sweden have all announced the deployment of small military contingents to prepare for future Arctic exercises.French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that “A frist team of French service members is already on site and will be reinforced in the coming days with land, air and maritime assets.”
Large-scale demonstrations are planned across Denmark and Greenland on Saturday to protest Trump’s ambitions regarding Greenland. Thousands have indicated their intention to participate in protests organized by Greenlandic associations in Nuuk, Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg, and Odense.
The US delegation includes, in addition to Durbin, Democratic senators Chris Coons, Jeanne Shaheen, and Peter Welch, alongside Republicans Lisa Murkowski and thom Tillis.Democratic representatives from the House include Madeleine Dean, Steny Hoyer, sara Jacobs, Sarah McBride, and Gregory Meeks.
