Bessent: Europe's weakness requires the US to control Greenland

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday that US control over Greenland would ensure global stability. He made the comments amid growing criticism from US lawmakers of the Trump administration's efforts to acquire the autonomous territory belonging to Denmark.

Bessent said that ownership of Greenland is key in the geopolitical rivalry with Russia and China. His comments came a day after Trump threatened to impose tariffs on EU countries that reject the US annexation of Greenland.

"The United States is the strongest country in the world. Europeans are sending a signal of weakness, the US is sending a signal of strength," Bessent said. He also claims that European leaders will eventually recognize that US control of Greenland is in the interest of all parties.

Critics warn that the tough approach could damage NATO relations, while Trump's allies say it is just a negotiating tactic.

(reuters, est)