Something is rotten with the state of Trump and Denmark
Donald Trump expressed interest in buying Greenland. He supposedly stated, “Essentially, it’s a large real estate deal.” Sadly, for Trump, he was told “no” – by a woman.
Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called Trump’s comments an “absurd discussion” and made it clear the country is not for sale. Fredriksen also made it clear that Greenland is an independent entity and isn’t on the market, supporting Greenland Premier Kim Kielsen, stating: “Greenland will not be sold. Greenland is not Danish. Greenland is Greenlandic. I persistently hope that this is not something that is seriously meant. … I totally agree with [Greenland Premier] Kim Kielsen that, of course, Greenland is not for sale.”
Trump had planned a meeting with Denmark but abruptly cancelled it after Frederiksen made her comments. Trump tweeted: “Denmark is a very special country with incredible people, but based on Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s comments, that she would have no interest in discussing the purchase of Greenland, I will be postponing our meeting scheduled in two weeks for another time. The Prime Minister was able to save a great deal of expense and effort for both the United States and Denmark by being so direct. I thank her for that and look forward to rescheduling sometime in the future!”
Something is rotten in the state of treatment of Denmark by Trump. Denmark is an important NATO ally to the United States, including in Afghanistan, where it has sent troops to dangerous places and suffered 43 casualties to date. This appears to be one more step for Trump to break up NATO and do the bidding of his boss, Vladimir Putin, and also a sign of the small mindedness of the president, throwing a temper tantrum and giving up an opportunity to sit down with a real friend in the world.
Daniel is a lawyer writing and teaching about SCOTUS, and is the author of the book “The Chief Justices” about the SCOTUS as seen through the center seat.