Trump unleashes fierce warning to NATO as he doubles down on bid to take over Greenland
A largely frozen territory whose main exports are fish and seafood might not seem top of the agenda in terms of places the USA wants to add to its empire, but after taking the oil-rich Venezuela and capturing its president, Donald Trump looks destined to continue his power grab in other unexpected corners of the world.
While the USA has repeatedly said it has no intention of ruling Venezuela, the oil vultures have already been circling.
A potential hostile takeover of Greenland could happen for a very different reason, and while the Dutch territory is said to be abundant in rare Earth minerals, its unique location could prove crucial in a mythical World War III.
Greenland is slap in the middle of a potential flight path of Russian missiles against the USA, and as far back as 1943, the Pituffik Space Base has served as a point of interest for the American military.
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Some of the world's richest have already been investing in a supposed 'Freedom City' that could be built in Greenland, and although some think President Donald Trump would be foolish to make a move against this peaceful land, you probably didn't expect the USA to swoop in and take Venezuela's leader by force.
Even last year, the POTUS had put Greenland in his sights, giving a message to its 57,000 residents as he said: "If you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America. We need Greenland for national security and even international security."
As whispers of Trump making a move for Greenland escalate, he’s warned that the USA is "going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not."
Explaining his actions, the Commander-in-Chief added: "If we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor."
His latest comments came aboard Air Force One, as Trump directed his attention toward NATO by saying the alliance needs the USA 'more than we need them'.
When pressed on whether taking Greenland would damage the US' union with NATO, a defiant Trump reiterated: "If it affects NATO, then it affects NATO. But, you know, they need us much more than we need them, I will tell you that right now."
Suggesting that his next move could be imminent, the President continued: "Greenland should make the deal because Greenland does not want to see Russia or China take over. Greenland, basically their defense is two dogsleds."
Elsewhere, he maintained that annexing Greenland as part of the USA is crucial in keeping it from China or Russia: "I'm not going to let that happen. One way or the other, we're going to have Greenland.
"Maybe NATO would be upset if I did it… we'd save a lot of money. I like NATO. I just wonder whether or not if needed NATO would they be there for us? I'm not sure they would."
As concerns about what President Trump could do next mount, remember White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's own warning that 'all options’ (including military force) remain open.
Greenland might not be as willing to bend the knee, with Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen rebuffing the notion as he told its citizens: "Threats, pressure and talk of annexation have no place between friends.
"That is not how you speak to people who have shown responsibility, stability and loyalty time and again. Enough is enough. No more pressure. No more innuendo. No more fantasies about annexation.”
What happens next is unclear, but with Trump possibly triggering NATO's Article 5 mutual defense clause if the USA decides to invade Greenland, this won't do those WWIII fears any good.