Unexpectedly, US President Donald Trump has attributed his desire to seize Greenland to Britain's decision to cede the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Trump used his social media platform, Truth Social, to criticise the UK’s action as “an act of total weakness.” This move is part of Trump's increasing rhetoric concerning the acquisition of Greenland, a territory governed by Denmark, a fellow NATO ally.

The backdrop to this statement involves Britain's recent plan to return control of Diego Garcia, part of the Chagos Archipelago, to Mauritius. The strategic importance of this archipelago stems from the presence of a significant US military base. Trump expressed his concerns during the World Economic Forum in Davos, suggesting that such a decision shows weakness to global powers like China and Russia.

In his series of posts, Trump stated that the UK’s actions were of “GREAT STUPIDITY”, implying that such decisions justify the need for the US to pursue Greenland. His posts stressed that international rivals only respect strength, and he asserted that his leadership has garnered unprecedented respect for the United States. This statement seems to reflect Trump's ongoing interest in expanding US influence through Greenland.

Trump’s comments have generated mixed reactions from experts and allies alike. Many are wary of the potential diplomatic ramifications with Denmark, while others view this as another instance of Trump's unconventional diplomatic style. The situation has raised questions about the future of US-Denmark relations and the strategic balance in the Arctic region.

Looking forward, the international community will watch closely to see if Trump’s rhetoric translates into actionable policy. The discussions at the World Economic Forum could provide more clarity on this issue. Meanwhile, debates around the significance and consequences of the UK’s actions regarding the Chagos Islands continue to unfold, reported Tha guardian.

Key Takeaways:

• US president Donald Trump cited the UK’s actions in the Chagos Islands as grounds for acquiring Greenland.

• Trump's comments have sparked concerns about potential diplomatic strains with Denmark.

• The situation is evolving, with further developments expected from the World Economic Forum discussions.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2026-01-20

 

 

Ok n May last year Trump was all in favour of this deal. What's changed since then (apart from seemingly a decline in Trump's mental health)?

If sir kier was Danish, he'd be gifting Greenland to the Chinese/Mauritius and paying then $30 BILLION to accept the gift.

Luckily Trump is not sir kier.

5 minutes ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

If sir kier was Danish, he'd be gifting Greenland to the Chinese/Mauritius and paying then $30 BILLION to accept the gift.

Luckily Trump is not sir kier.

Would he now.

Must be nice living in a fantasy world inside your own head.

I wonder what changed Trump's mind?

Great move by Trump.

Highlighted the stupidity, the ineptitude, the treachery of the liar Starmer and his absolute imbecile Lammy in one fell swoop.

23 minutes ago, RayC said:

Ok n May last year Trump was all in favour of this deal. What's changed since then (apart from seemingly a decline in Trump's mental health)?

Last year Starmer didn't have to call a hasty press meeting to deflect Trumps coercive threats over Greenland.

26 minutes ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

If sir kier was Danish, he'd be gifting Greenland to the Chinese/Mauritius and paying then $30 BILLION to accept the gift.

Luckily Trump is not sir kier.

And lucky for Denmark that Starmer isn't Danish.

I really wonder how much longer Starmer can carry on. It's one disaster and U-turn to the next. What a complete shower Labour have turned out to be. 😄

I'm just thankful Harris didn't win. The West would have been decimated with Starmer and Harris goose stepping together.

Just now, JonnyF said:

And lucky for Denmark that Starmer isn't Danish.

I really wonder how much longer Starmer can carry on. It's one disaster and U-turn to the next. What a complete shower Labour have turned out to be. 😄

I'm just thankful Harris didn't win. The West would have been decimated with Starmer and Harris goose stepping together.

People joke about Trump nabbing starmer in the middle of the night and freeing Britain from woke tyranny. Its no joke, most Brits I know said its a "jolly good idea" and they would be "well chuffed" if the above happened.🤣

3 minutes ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

People joke about Trump nabbing starmer in the middle of the night and freeing Britain from woke tyranny. Its no joke, most Brits I know said its a "jolly good idea" and they would be "well chuffed" if the above happened.🤣

You know Brits............🤥..............😂

1 minute ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

People joke about Trump nabbing starmer in the middle of the night and freeing Britain from woke tyranny. Its no joke, most Brits I know said its a "jolly good idea" and they would be "well chuffed" if the above happened.🤣

I'd love to offer an opinion on that but I'd probably face the Graham Linehan treatment and be arrested at the airport by 5 armed guards when I go back for a holiday.

Starmer is straight from the Idi Amin school of free speech. 😄

7 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

I'd love to offer an opinion on that but I'd probably face the Graham Linehan treatment and be arrested at the airport by 5 armed guards when I go back for a holiday.

Starmer is straight from the Idi Amin school of free speech. 😄

Your going for it today, Jonny. You must be wearing your Mario Balotelli, 'Why always me?' T-shirt.

Your false sense of grievance and victimhood is apparently infinite.

20 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

I'm just thankful Harris didn't win. The West would have been decimated with Starmer and Harris goose stepping together.

Harris would have waged economic war against her allies and threatened to invade their territory. Yeah, right.

Only one goose-stepping leader in the West currently and that ain't Starmer.

21 minutes ago, transam said:

You know Brits............🤥..............😂

It would appear so, Trans. The type of fine, upstanding individuals who think that kidnapping the PM is a good idea apparently.

4 minutes ago, RayC said:

Your going for it today, Jonny. You must be wearing your Mario Balotelli, 'Why always me?' T-shirt.

Actually, I'm wearing my "Starmer is a w****r" T-shirt.

4 minutes ago, RayC said:

Your false sense of grievance and victimhood is apparently infinite.

No surprise to see you defending the UK's police state. The intolerance towards views you do not share. Another Idi Amin fan it seems.

From The Times.

Police make 30 arrests a day for offensive online messages

5 minutes ago, RayC said:

Only one goose-stepping leader in the West currently and that ain't Starmer.

So why is he cancelling elections, scrapping trial by jury and locking people up for social media posts?

Censoring with the online safety act, pushing for facial recognition and digital ID, suing 4chan, trying to ban X?

It's always the people banging on about fascism that do these types of things.

The left - exactly what they accuse you of being.

30 minutes ago, RayC said:

Your going for it today, Jonny. You must be wearing your Mario Balotelli, 'Why always me?' T-shirt.

Your false sense of grievance and victimhood is apparently infinite.

People defending fascism makes my skin crawl

9 minutes ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

People defending fascism makes my skin crawl

I agree.

So why don't you condemn Trump's comments actions wrt Greenland?

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

Great move by Trump.

Highlighted the stupidity, the ineptitude, the treachery of the liar Starmer and his absolute imbecile Lammy in one fell swoop.

By the time Labour took office, the Conservatives had already started negotiations and established the principle that Mauritius would gain sovereignty while the UK and US retained military access.

10 minutes ago, candide said:

By the time Labour took office, the Conservatives had already started negotiations and established the principle that Mauritius would gain sovereignty while the UK and US retained military access.

The Chargos islands are 2,000km distant from Mauritius.

10 minutes ago, RayC said:

I agree.

So why don't you condemn Trump's comments actions wrt Greenland?

Indeed, Raymond.........

2 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

The Chargos islands are 2,000km distant from Mauritius.

So what......? 🤫

7 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

The Chargos islands are 2,000km distant from Mauritius.

Which is a lot closer than the 9,400km to London

9 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

The Chargos islands are 2,000km distant from Mauritius.

Whatever the relevance of the agreement, my point is that its main principles have been designed by the Tories.

Offensive post removed and the related replies also.

If you do not like what another member says, ignore them. You are not obliged to respond.

Do not continue this behaviour.

Further incidents may result in sanctions.”

24 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

So why is he

cancelling elections,

'He' is not cancelling elections. The government offered local authorities the chance to postpone the upcoming elections due to changes in the structure of local government. Some councils accepted the offer, others didn't.

Why councils are being abolished and elections cancelled...

The biggest reform of local government in more than 50 years is set to bring major changes to Devon.

24 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

scrapping trial by jury

Trial by jury is not being scrapped

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn5lxg2l0lqo

24 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

and locking people up for social media posts?

Because incitement to riot, for example, is a criminal offence.

24 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Censoring with the online safety act,

So in the interests of 'free speech' you don't believe that children should be protected and are ok for them to have unrestricted access to everything on social media and the wider internet.

24 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

pushing for facial recognition and digital ID

What's your objection apart from objection for objection's sake?

There is facial recognition at airports for example. Should that be withdrawn? What about passports themselves? Obviously a form of physical ID: Withdraw them as well?

24 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

, suing 4chan, trying to ban X?

Anything goes? How should we consider accountability and responsibility? Optionally extras?

See also my comment re child protection above.

24 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

It's always the people banging on about fascism that do these types of things.

The left - exactly what they accuse you of being

The neocons and neoliberals share some traits. Both are quick to point the finger at others for failure irrespective of where the actual fault might lie; both take no responsibility or accountability for their actions and both are completely intolerant of other views. That last trait being completely at odds with their supposed love of 'free speech'.

36 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

I wonder what changed Trump's mind?

Dementia

The Trump administration had “publicly welcomed” the deal over the Chagos Islands, with a statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio last May.

A UK government spokesperson said: "This Agreement has been publicly welcomed by the US, Australia and all other Five Eyes allies, as well as key international partners including India, Japan and South Korea."

Trump has previously voiced support for the agreement as it was being worked up, saying in February last year, when Sir Keir Starmer visited the White House: “I have a feeling it’s going to work out very well.

“They’re talking about a very long-term, powerful lease, a very strong lease, about 140 years.”

UK hits back after Trump slams PM for 'stupidity' on Chagos Islands

Eat your words Trump, my god, his stupidity is outstanding.

36 minutes ago, bannork said:

The Trump administration had “publicly welcomed” the deal over the Chagos Islands, with a statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio last May.

A UK government spokesperson said: "This Agreement has been publicly welcomed by the US, Australia and all other Five Eyes allies, as well as key international partners including India, Japan and South Korea."

Trump has previously voiced support for the agreement as it was being worked up, saying in February last year, when Sir Keir Starmer visited the White House: “I have a feeling it’s going to work out very well.

“They’re talking about a very long-term, powerful lease, a very strong lease, about 140 years.”

UK hits back after Trump slams PM for 'stupidity' on Chagos Islands

Eat your words Trump, my god, his stupidity is outstanding.

As the US has a military base in Diego Garcia, it's obvious that UK wouldn't have signed this deal without the US agreement.

3 minutes ago, candide said:

As the US has a military base in Diego Garcia

They have far too many all over the world ..some estimates up to 800 US military bases worldwide just crazy !