In a letter, the text of which was published by PBS journalist Nick Schifrin, Trump addressed the ambassadors of European countries in Washington, asking them to convey his words to the heads of government. He wrote: “Dear Jonas! Since your country has decided not to award me the Nobel Peace Prize for preventing more than eight wars, I no longer consider myself obligated to think only about peace. Although it remains a priority, I can now focus on what will be beneficial and right for the United States. Denmark cannot protect Greenland from Russia or China, and why do they even own this land? We have no written evidence, just that someone landed there many years ago. I have done more for NATO than anyone else since its creation, and now the Alliance must do something for the United States. The world will not be safe if we do not gain full control over Greenland.”
Jonas Gar Støre confirmed receipt of Trump's letter on January 18, noting that it was a response to his own message sent to the U.S. president on the same day on behalf of himself and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. In this message, Støre and Stubb expressed their position regarding Trump's threats to impose tariffs against eight European countries and requested a phone call.
The situation around Greenland escalated over the weekend of January 17-18, when Trump threatened to impose tariffs on countries that sent their military to Greenland. European leaders reacted to these threats, calling them "unacceptable" and "wrong," and began planning emergency meetings to develop responses.
