Emmanuel Macron has hit back at Donald Trump’s latest threats to impose tariffs on any country opposing his Greenland takeover, warning that “no amount of intimidation” will persuade European nations to change their course on Greenland.
He was echoed by the Swedish prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, who warned the EU would not be “blackmailed” by the US president, who on Saturday announced 10% tariffs on eight European countries from 1 February, with a further 25% tariff from 1 June.
In a joint statement, EU leaders said “tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral”.
It is highly likely that the European parliament will halt ratification of last summer’s trade deal with the US after Manfred Weber, the head of the European People’s party, the largest voting bloc in the institute, said they would have to pause the legal rubber stamping process.
Far be it from me to defend a Trump in any way, but the American desire to control Greenland does pre-date his presidency by a good stretch and it will still be a fond wish of the Department of War after he is gone. Trump is in this one personally because he thinks it will be a jewel of his legacy to add territory to the country. And he is always up for confrontational harassment of Europe and brandishing his sword as CIC. But Greenland specifically was put on his agenda by others in security defense circles. There is a case for it, and that case isn’t old and tired, it’s getting stronger as ice melts.
There is a case for America to ally with Denmark and the EU, so that America can partner on resources to the benefit of all involved, and so America can support and maintain military presence for the mutual security of the North.
It’s the height of American arrogance, and indifference to global suffering, to even consider that there is a case where the US unilaterally occupies Greenland.
Dude, there is a case in American history for doing genocide of natives too. What is your “defense” of Trump here? Like, I don’t disagree with you that American Imperialism is not unique to Trump - but you seem to be saying this makes it justified? Maybe I’m reading your comment wrong though.