Trump refuses to rule out Greenland military takeover as he ramps up Europe trade war threats

Asked on Monday if he would use force to seize the Danish territory, which he has repeatedly said he wants the US to acquire, the President replied: "No comment."

He gave the response during an interview with NBC News, and said he will "100%" hit European nations with tariffs if a deal cannot be made over Greenland.

The President told the broadcaster that "Europe ought to focus on the war with Russia and Ukraine, because, frankly, you see what that's gotten them.

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"That's what Europe should focus on - not Greenland."

Then asked if he would use force to seize Greenland, the President simply said: "No comment."

It comes as Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre released a statement regarding his communications with the President.

The Norwegian premier said: "I can confirm that this is a text message that I received yesterday afternoon from President Trump.

"It came in response to a short text message from me to President Trump sent earlier on the same day, on behalf of myself and the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb.

"In our message to Trump, we conveyed our opposition to his announced tariff increases against Norway, Finland and select other countries.

"We pointed to the need to de-escalate and proposed a telephone conversation between Trump, Stubb and myself on the same day.

"The response from Trump came shortly after the message was sent. It was his decision to share his message with other NATO leaders.

"Norway’s position on Greenland is clear. Greenland is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and Norway fully supports the Kingdom of Denmark on this matter.

"We also support that NATO, in a responsible way, is taking steps to strengthen security and stability in the Arctic.

"As regards the Nobel Peace Prize, I have clearly explained, including to President Trump, what is well known; the prize is awarded by an independent Nobel Committee and not the Norwegian Government."

Mr Trump has stepped up his push to take possession of the Danish territory and said over the weekend he would impose 10 per cent tariffs on Denmark, Britain, and six other European nations until a deal is struck.

After the announcement, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told Mr Trump by phone that the threats to Europe are "wrong", Downing Street said.

The pair spoke on Sunday, where the PM "reiterated his position on Greenland" to Trump, before telling him that "security in the High North is a priority for all NATO allies in order to protect Euro-Atlantic interests."

Speaking to the nation on Monday, Sir Keir said: "The UK and the US are close allies and close partners.

"That relationship matters profoundly, not just to our security but to the prosperity and the stability that people here depend upon.

"Under President Trump, as under previous presidents, we are determined to keep that relationship strong, constructive and focused on results."

He added: "Mature alliances are not about pretending differences don't exist. They are about addressing them directly, respectfully and with a focus on results.

But in response, Trump's Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that European retaliation to the tariffs would be "very unwise."

Secretary Bessent said: "I've been travelling, so I haven't ‌been in touch (with European ⁠officials), but I ‌spoke to President Trump ‍, and evidently there are a lot of inbounds, and I think everyone should take the ​President at his word."

Speaking to reporters at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss resort of Davos, Mr Bessent added it was "complete canard" to think Trump's action on Greenland is due to his failure to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Earlier on Monday, the President released a statement on his Truth Social platform on Monday, insisting NATO has warned Denmark of the dangers posed by Russia for the past two decades.

He wrote: "NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that 'you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland'.

"Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!! President Donald J. Trump."

Also speaking on Monday, Danish foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stressed that Denmark and Greenland have agreed to form a working group with the US to talk through their differences.

He told broadcaster DR: "It is important that all of us who believe in international law speak out to show Trump that you can’t go down this road any further."

Thanking Sir Keir, Mr Rasmussen added that he is confident the UK will stand by Denmark, and said he feels further reassured by that after the closed meeting he just had with the UK's Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.