Donald Trump stated that he has not yet decided whether to withdraw additional American troops from Europe, but suggested that such a decision will largely depend on the evolution of discussions regarding Greenland. The statement comes after the White House leader reaffirmed his desire, at the NATO summit in Ankara, for the island to come under the control of the United States.
Asked aboard Air Force One if he intends to further reduce the American military presence in Europe, Trump responded that he has not yet made up his mind, dpa reports. „Maybe I will. I haven’t made a final decision yet. Much will depend on Greenland,” the American president said.
He added that the decision will largely depend on the possibility of reaching what he called "a very good agreement regarding Greenland."
Trump maintains his claims over Greenland
Shortly after arriving at the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump reiterated that Greenland, an autonomous territory that is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, "should be controlled by the United States."
Previously, a senior American official explained that, in Washington's view, taking over Greenland is the only way to manage the long-term security risks around the island.
However, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen firmly rejected this idea.
A dispute that tensions relationships with Denmark
Trump has long argued that Greenland is strategically important for U.S. security, citing the threats posed by Russia and China.
Earlier this year, the American leader stated that the United States could take control of the island, statements that have caused tensions with Denmark, a NATO ally. Later, he abandoned threats of the use of force and the idea of punitive tariffs against some European states, but he maintained his claims over Greenland.
Both the Danish government and the Greenlandic government have repeatedly rejected any possibility of the island being annexed by the United States.