U.S. needs Greenland because Europe is 'weak', says Bessent

U.S. treasury secretary Scott Bessent says European weakness makes U.S. control of Greenland vital for global stability.

Transcript

00:00European weakness necessitates United States' control of Greenland for global stability,

00:06says Treasury Secretary of the United States Scott Besant.

00:09He adds that European leaders would eventually accept American ownership of the territory,

00:15adding that the move serves the interests of Greenland, Europe and the United States.

00:22He framed Greenland as a critical asset in an increasingly competitive global landscape,

00:27pointing to strategic rivalry with Russia and China.

00:30In his words, the issue is part of a wider geopolitical contest rather than a narrow territorial dispute.

00:37Besant also sought to downplay concerns about escalation.

00:40He said he has not recently discussed emergency powers with the President

00:44and rejected suggestions that military force could be required.

00:48His comments follow President Donald Trump's warning that the United States could impose tariffs on European Union countries

00:54that oppose an American takeover of Greenland.

00:57That list includes Denmark, a long-standing U.S. ally and the country that currently governs the territory.