US President Donald Trump stated that the US would gain control of Greenland, reigniting interest in acquiring the island, according to the BBC.
I think we’re going to have it. (…) I think the people want to be with us. I don’t really know what claim Denmark has to it, but it would be a very unfriendly act if they didn’t allow that to happen because it’s for the protection of the free world.
His statement followed reports that Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen insisted in a sharp phone call with the president last week that Greenland was not for sale.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede said the use of the territory’s land was “Greenland’s business,” while expressing a willingness to work more closely with the US on defence and mining.
Other issues
Late Saturday night, Trump said he may consider rejoining the World Health Organisation (WHO). The move came days after he signed an executive order announcing the US intention to withdraw from the organisation.
Maybe we would consider doing it again. I don’t know. Maybe we would have to clean it up a little bit.
A US withdrawal would result in the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars to WHO’s core budget. In response to the withdrawal, the organisation is freezing recruitment and cutting back on travel. It’s estimated that Washington would also lose access to the global network that defines the flu vaccine’s composition each year.
A day earlier on Friday, the Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth to be defence secretary. Republicans endorsed Hegseth with the help of Vice President JD Vance, who broke a rare 50-50 tie in the first major nomination fight in Trump’s cabinet.
The Pentagon’s new leader embodies Trump’s discontent, especially over the proliferation of diversity programmes in the military. He insists they distract from the force’s core mission of keeping the country safe.
The US also cancelled the imposition of 25% duties on all Colombian goods on Monday after Colombia agreed to accept deported migrants without restrictions. On Sunday, Colombian President Gustavo Petro barred two US military deportation flights from landing in the country.
The White House hailed the agreement with Colombia as a victory for Trump’s tough approach after the country’s two leaders exchanged threats on social media. Trump also announced visa sanctions and increased border checks on Colombians “until the first planeload of Colombian deportees is successfully returned.”
