France pushes back on Trump using military pressure to take Greenland, says it’s now ‘survival of the fittest’
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot firmly stated on Wednesday that the European Union will not stand by and allow President-elect Trump to take Greenland by military force. Barrot emphasized that the EU will not tolerate any country attacking its sovereign borders, regardless of who they are.
During an interview on French radio, Barrot expressed his doubts about Trump actually going through with the extreme measure of invading Greenland. He stated, “If you’re asking me whether I think the United States will invade Greenland, my answer is no. But have we entered into a period of time when it is survival of the fittest? Then my answer is yes.”
This stern warning from Barrot comes after Trump has made repeated statements indicating his belief that Greenland is crucial to U.S. national and economic security interests. Trump has even expressed interest in purchasing the island territory from Denmark, likening it to his previous comments about regaining control of the Panama Canal.
When asked about the possibility of using military force to acquire Greenland or the Panama Canal, Trump did not rule it out during a press conference. He emphasized the importance of these territories for economic security, leaving the possibility open for such actions.
Despite Trump’s persistence, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has made it clear that Greenland is not for sale. She highlighted the support among Greenlandic people for maintaining their autonomy and emphasized the need for calm and adherence to principles in handling the situation.
In response to Trump’s continued interest in Greenland, his son Donald Trump Jr. arrived in Nuuk, the capital of the Arctic territory. Trump Jr. engaged with locals, visited cultural sites, and recorded content for a podcast. Trump himself shared a video of the plane carrying his representatives landing in Greenland, advocating for the acquisition of the territory for the sake of safety, security, and peace.
Despite the push from the Trump administration, the European Union remains steadfast in its stance against any attempts to take Greenland by force. Barrot’s strong words serve as a reminder that the EU will not back down in defending its borders and sovereignty. Time will tell how this situation unfolds, but for now, the message is clear: Greenland is not up for grabs.
