“I think the president has a very strong view on Western Hemisphere security and believes that the U.S. should not outsource our national security,” Bessent told FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo on Tuesday. “He believes that Greenland is essential for the Golden Dome missile shield.”
Bessent said Trump is concerned that a foreign incursion into Greenland could force the United States into a direct military response. “The president is worried that if there were an incursion into Greenland, the U.S. would be called upon to defend Greenland,” he said.
“And he very strongly believes that it must be part of the United States to prevent a conflict, rather than getting the U.S. engaged and exposed into a hot conflict,” Bessent added. He said Greenland is becoming increasingly attractive for foreign conquest as its strategic value grows.
Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, is home to a key U.S. military base and has gained importance as Arctic ice melts. The changes are opening new shipping routes and access to natural resources, increasing the island’s role in global security and trade.
Trump renewed his push for U.S. control of Greenland earlier Tuesday in a post on Truth Social. “As I expressed to everyone, very plainly, Greenland is imperative for National and World Security. There can be no going back — on that, everyone agrees!” he wrote after a call with Mark Rutte of NATO.
Bessent said U.S. control would deter any attempt by another country to assert influence over the island. “There’s the opportunity for the U.S. to become embroiled, exposed into a kinetic war if another country moved in on Greenland,” he said.
“I tell everyone, ‘sit back, take a deep breath. Do not retaliate. Do not retaliate,’” Bessent added, referring to reactions to Trump’s stance. He said the president is expected to address the issue directly when he speaks at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday.
Source: FOX Business.
