Donald Trump On Greenland: "A Piece of Ice" For World Protection

"I am seeking immediate negotiations," he continued, "to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States, just as we have acquired many other territories throughout our history. Many European nations have too, there's nothing wrong with it. Some have great, vast wealth, vast lands all over the world. But this would not be a threat to NATO, it would enhance the security of the alliance." Then came the mixed messaging: "We probably won't get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force where we would be, frankly, unstoppable, but I won't do that... I don't have to use force. I don't want to use force. I won't use force." And then, much later in the 70-minute speech, the threat: "We want a piece of ice for world protection, and they won't give it... You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no, and we will remember." While US stocks rose after Trump's declaration that there will be no use of force, it's unlikely, at least in the short term, to calm tempers in the European Union, which were stoked by the US president declaring tariffs on several countries for not supporting his bid to acquire Greenland.