Rutte shared his insights in an interview on Fox News’ “Special Report with Bret Baier.”
Why it’s important
Earlier that day, Trump unexpectedly backed away from his threats to impose tariffs as a means to acquire Greenland, ruled out military intervention, and indicated that a resolution to the dispute over the Danish territory was forthcoming.
After his meeting with Rutte, Trump mentioned on Wednesday that Western Arctic allies could establish a new agreement concerning the strategic island, home to 57,000 people, which would fulfill his objective for a “Golden Dome” missile-defense system and access to essential minerals while countering Russia and China’s aspirations in the Arctic.
Trump had previously insisted that the US must acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark that hosts a US airbase, to deter Russia or China from occupying this strategically significant and mineral-rich Arctic region.
Key quotes
When asked whether Greenland would remain “under the Kingdom of Denmark in this framework deal” that Trump referenced, Rutte replied.
“That issue did not come up anymore in my conversations tonight with the president,” Rutte said.
“He (Trump) is very much focused on what we need to do to ensure that this vast Arctic area – where changes are currently unfolding, and where the Chinese and Russians are increasingly active – is properly safeguarded.”
Context
Both Greenland and Denmark have reiterated that Greenland is not for sale. Denmark and the US are members of NATO. Many experts characterize Trump’s foreign policy as having imperialistic tendencies.
