Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina brushed off concerns from Europe regarding President Trump’s interest in purchasing Greenland, urging America’s European allies to stay calm.
“If you’re feeling anxious, maybe have a drink or consult a doctor… just stop worrying,” Graham remarked to Jonathan Martin of Politico during a discussion at the Munich Security Conference in Germany.
The Republican senator went on to address his European counterparts directly, saying, “Greenland is no longer on the table, but the focus should be on achieving results.”
“Honestly, who cares who owns Greenland? I certainly don’t,” Graham added.
President Trump’s previous intention to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish territory, coupled with his warning of imposing heavy tariffs on resistant European nations, had caused unease among leaders across the Atlantic.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen cautioned last month that Trump’s territorial ambitions could spell the downfall of critical alliances, including NATO.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the “Greenland moment” this week as evidence the Trump administration is “openly anti-European” and seeking the European Union’s “dismemberment.”
Macron said Europe is facing a “double crisis” with “the Chinese tsunami on the trade front” and “minute-by-minute instability on the American side.”
Trump backed off the tariff threat after agreeing to a “framework of a future deal” for Greenland with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Davos, Switzerland, last month.
Details of the deal have yet to be announced, but Graham argued the strategically important Arctic island will end up more secure.
“The point is, Greenland is going to be more fortified because Donald Trump – once he feels like it’s his brand or he has some buy-in – is going to go big,” the senator said
Graham insisted that “everybody loves NATO” and countered criticism that Trump has weakened the alliance by noting European allies have upped defense spending since he took office.
When asked specifically about US relations with Denmark, Graham responded, “I think we’re good.”
“I’m going to meet them this afternoon. I think everybody is hugging it out and, you know, we’ll live to fight another day.”
