Former British ambassador to the United States, Lord Peter Mandelson, stated that President Donald Trump will not use military force to take Greenland.
In an interview with the BBC, Mandelson said he admires Trump’s directness in politics but emphasized that “he is not foolish” and that his advisers would warn him about the serious risks such an action would pose to American national interests.
The remarks come after Trump renewed attention on Greenland, claiming that the US should “own” the semi-autonomous Danish territory to curb Russian and Chinese influence. Denmark and Greenland have responded by asserting that the territory is not for sale, while Copenhagen warned that any military action could endanger NATO itself.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to hold talks with Denmark next week regarding Greenland. A recent Danish survey indicates that 38% of citizens believe the US could undertake an invasion under Trump’s administration.
Mandelson highlighted that the Arctic is becoming an increasingly contested region and that the US will lead efforts to ensure regional security. He added that Greenland has strategic importance for early missile warning and military monitoring, as well as for natural resources that are becoming more accessible due to ice melting.
NATO allies have expressed support for Denmark, stating that only Denmark and Greenland have the right to decide the territory’s future.
