Donald Trump, President of the United States, released private messages from conversations with Mr. Mark Rutte, Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and French President Emmanuel Macron on the platform Truth Social. This displayed his bargaining power regarding the bid to purchase "Greenland" after failing to secure the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. He asserted that the world would not be safe if the U.S. did not fully control Greenland, while Europe prepared to impose major trade retaliation measures.
In the messages with Mr. Rutte that Trump published, the NATO Secretary-General expressed admiration for Trump's role on the issues of Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine. He also stated that he would use the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos to support Trump's work and affirmed his intention to "find a solution regarding Greenland," saying, "Looking forward to meeting you."
Additionally, messages from Emmanuel Macron, President of France, were revealed inviting Trump to dinner in Paris to discuss a solution on Greenland, which he said he still "did not understand" regarding Trump's actions. This came amid Trump's threat to impose a 200% tariff on French wine if France refused to join peace talks under his conditions. Macron also noted that both sides held aligned positions on Syria and Iran. Trump's reply was not shown in the released images, and the White House has yet to comment on the matter.
These disclosures came as Trump linked his push for U.S. control over Greenland to his growing anger, partly fueled by disappointment that the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to "Maria Corina Machado," the Venezuelan opposition leader, instead of him. Trump messaged the Norwegian Prime Minister saying, "Since your country has decided not to award me the Nobel Prize, I no longer feel bound to think only about peace but will focus on what is appropriate for the United States."
Trump increased pressure on Denmark, a NATO member with sovereignty over Greenland, asserting that Denmark could not protect Greenland from threats posed by Russia and China. He threatened to raise tariffs on goods from various European Union countries, including the United Kingdom and Norway, starting 1 February unless the U.S. was permitted to purchase Greenland.
This stance raised concerns about NATO's stability, already strained by the war in Ukraine and Trump's demands for allies to increase defense spending. Meanwhile, European industry and financial markets began to fluctuate amid risks of a renewed trade war.
Denmark reiterated that Greenland is not a commodity to be bought or sold. The Danish Foreign Minister stated, "We are in 2026. Trade is possible, but not trading people." Meanwhile, the Greenland Prime Minister affirmed that the territory must determine its own future based on principles of negotiation, respect, and international law.
The European Union is preparing to discuss countermeasures at an emergency meeting in Brussels, including the possibility of using tools to prevent coercive trade practices. Meanwhile, leaders from several European countries are trying to arrange meetings with Trump at the Davos forum to avoid escalating conflicts.
Russia has declined to comment directly on U.S. plans for Greenland but stated that if Trump were to gain control of the island, it would inevitably be recorded in world history.
. . .Independent