Washington stated that the Greenland issue is being considered as an element of the long-term US national security strategy in connection with the situation in Europe, the Arctic, and the war in Ukraine. About this reported the NBC
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant in an interview with the program Meet the Press on NBC noted that Washington's strategic interest in Greenland is dictated by the weakening of Europe's role in matters of collective security.
"We are the strongest country in the world. The Europeans are showing weakness. The US is showing strength," — Bessent said.
He recalled that the idea of acquiring Greenland has been discussed by American administrations for over a century, and emphasized its importance for US national security.
“Greenland is essential to US national security. We are building the Golden Dome missile defense system. President Trump is acting strategically, looking not one or two years ahead, but at the future struggle for the Arctic. We have no intention of outsourcing our national security to other countries,” — explained the minister.
The Arctic as a factor in future conflicts
According to Bessent, the Arctic will become an arena of geopolitical rivalry in the future, and the struggle for influence in the region is inevitable. Washington believes that preemptive actions, in particular, strengthening the US presence in Greenland, can prevent larger conflicts in the future. This approach in the US is defined as the implementation of the principle of "peace through strength."
Criticism of Europe and parallels with the war in Ukraine
The US Treasury Secretary also criticized European countries for their short-sighted policies in relations with Russia, drawing parallels with the war in Ukraine.
"During his first term, President Trump warned the Europeans: don't build Nord Stream 2 and don't rely on Russian oil. Ultimately, it is European purchases of Russian energy that finance Russia's war effort against Ukraine. That is why America must have control over this region," — Bessent noted
Is a forceful scenario possible?
When asked about the possibility of forcibly establishing control over Greenland, Bessent avoided a direct answer. He said that he had not discussed the issue with the president, but expressed confidence that over time, European partners would recognize the feasibility of transferring the island to US control.
Washington also stressed that the United States remains in NATO, but has no intention of compensating for the allies' passivity in the security sphere. According to the American side, since 1980, US defense spending has exceeded European figures by approximately $22 trillion.
