Donald Trump has refused to rule out using military force to gain control of Greenland, an autonomous territory within fellow Nato member Denmark. In an interview on NBC's Meet The Press, the US president said he would not rule out military action, stating: 'We need Greenland very badly for international security.'
Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in expanding US territory into Greenland, which is strategically important for defence and mineral wealth. The comments have triggered widespread condemnation and unease both on the island and in the global diplomatic community, raising fears over Nato unity.
During the same interview, Trump also discussed the possibility of annexing Canada, calling it 'highly unlikely' but leaving the door open for discussion. He claimed the US subsidises Canada by $200bn a year and argued that removing the 'artificial line' between the two countries would be beneficial.
Trump confirmed he had spoken with Canada's new prime minister, Mark Carney, but had not discussed making Canada the 51st state. However, he said the topic could be raised when Carney visits Washington DC in the coming weeks. Carney and around 90% of Canadians oppose the idea.
A recent ABC News poll found that 68% of Americans believe Trump is serious about taking Greenland, and 53% think he is serious about Canada. However, 86% of respondents opposed annexing Canada, and 76% opposed taking Greenland.
