“United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the need to establish American control over Greenland is dictated by the “weakness” of Europe and the strategic interests of the United States.”, — write: www.pravda.com.ua
Scott Bessent. Photo: Getty Images Source: Bessent v interview on NBC’s Meet the Press program
Direct speech: “We are the strongest country in the world. The Europeans are showing weakness. The USA is showing strength.
Advertising:
If we look back, American presidents have wanted to acquire Greenland for over a century. Greenland is essential to US national security. We are building the “Golden Dome” (missile defense system – ed.).
President Trump is acting strategically. He is not looking at this year or next year, but at what might happen in the battle for the Arctic. We are not going to outsource our national security to other countries.”
Details: Bessent stressed that the United States should act in advance, adhering to the principle of “peace through strength.” According to him, the struggle for the Arctic is a real threat in the future, and if Greenland becomes part of the United States now, it will help avoid a future war.
The minister also criticized European partners for short-sightedness in relations with Russia, drawing parallels with the situation in Ukraine.
Direct speech: “During his first term, President Trump told Europeans: don’t build Nord Stream 2, don’t rely on Russian oil. And guess what? What’s financing Russia’s efforts against Ukraine? European purchases of Russian oil. That’s why America should have control here (over Greenland – ed.).”
Details: When asked by a journalist whether Washington is considering the possibility of seizing the island by force, as Russia did with Crimea, Bessent avoided a direct denial. He noted that he had not discussed this issue with the president, but expressed confidence that “the Europeans will understand” that the transfer of Greenland to US control is the best option for them.
Bessent also dismissed fears that such actions would destroy NATO. He assured that the US will remain in the Alliance, but Trump does not want America to be “drawn into someone else’s war” due to the allies’ inability to guarantee security in the region. Bessent emphasized that the US has spent $22 trillion more on defense than the Europeans since 1980.
What preceded:
- US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to purchase Greenland, which is rich in natural resources, explaining it as a strategic necessity for the United States.
- The authorities of Denmark and Greenland categorically reject such proposals, stressing that the island is not for sale.
- January 17 Trump has declared a trade war against the countries that expressed support for Denmark’s territorial integrity and sent their military contingent to Greenland.
- According to the schedule announced by Trump, from February 1, a 10% tariff will apply to products, goods and raw materials from Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway and Great Britain. If these countries do not meet his requirements, from June 1, the American administration will increase the rate more than twice – to 25%.
- In response to this, the European Union is developing a package of tough countermeasures. Brussels is considering the possibility of introducing tariffs on US goods with a total value of 93 billion euros or restricting the access of US companies to the single European market.