Greenland: Trump criticises ‘nasty’ Denmark over cancelled visit

US President Donald Trump has called the Danish leader “nasty” after she rebuffed his idea of buying Greenland.

He lashed out hours after Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she was “sorry” that Mr Trump had abruptly called off a state visit to Denmark.

She has dismissed the suggestion of such a land deal as “absurd”.

Queen Margrethe II invited Mr Trump to visit Denmark on 2 September, and the manner of his cancellation has stunned the Scandinavian nation.

What did the US president say?

Speaking to reporters on the White House lawn on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Trump took umbrage at Ms Frederiksen’s remarks.

“I thought that the prime’s statement that it was absurd, that it was an absurd idea was nasty,” he said.

“I thought it was an inappropriate statement. All she had to do is say no, we wouldn’t be interested.”

He added: “She’s not talking to me. She’s talking to the United States of America. You don’t talk to the United States that way, at least under me.”

Mr Trump pointed out that US President Harry Truman once considered making an offer for Greenland, which is an autonomous Danish territory.

Smittah

Article URL : https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49423968