This archive report was first published on 21 August 2019.
August 21, 2019
President Trump's apparent desire to buy Greenland turned to bewilderment and anger in Denmark after he abruptly canceled a state visit, citing the country's refusal to sell the semiautonomous territory.
Queen Margrethe II had extended the invitation to the president and the first lady, but the cancellation was a rare snub of Denmark's head of state.
News of the cancellation 'came as a surprise,' according to the Royal House's communications director, who added, 'That's all we have to say about that.'
Others, however, had more to say. 'Is this some sort of joke?' Helle Thorning-Schmidt, a former prime minister, wrote on Twitter. 'Deeply insulting to the people of Greenland and Denmark.'
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had said she had no interest in discussing the sale of Greenland, stating, 'Greenland is not Danish. Greenland belongs to Greenland.'
On Sunday, Mr. Trump said the idea of buying Greenland has been discussed in his administration because of the strategic benefits and in part because of its natural resources, like coal and uranium.
He also suggested that the territory was a financial burden to Denmark, stating, 'Essentially, it's a large real estate deal. A lot of things can be done. It's hurting Denmark very badly, because they're losing almost $700 million a year carrying it.'
Greenland's government is in charge of most aspects of its affairs except foreign policy and defense. Local governments have not managed to develop a sustainable economy and receive more than 50 percent of the island's budget in direct subsidies topped with additional Danish spending on defense and enforcement of sovereignty.
