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Danish royal family 'surprised,' lawmakers fume as Trump cancels Denmark visit over Greenland
Fox News ^ | 08/21/2019 | By Lukas Mikelionis

Posted on 08/21/2019 9:11:20 AM PDT by SeekAndFind

The Danish royal family was “surprised” after President Trump scrapped a planned visit to Denmark following comments by the country's prime minister that the idea the U.S. might buy Greenland from them was “absurd.”

Trump had been expected to visit Denmark on Sept. 2-3 as part of his trip to Europe, but until his tweets Tuesday, there were no solid indications the visit was centered on buying Greenland.

"Denmark is a very special country with incredible people, but based on Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s comments, that she would have no interest in discussing the purchase of Greenland, I will be postponing our meeting scheduled in two weeks for another time," Trump wrote.

The White House later clarified that the entire trip to Denmark had been scrapped, including a planned meeting with Denmark's Queen Margrethe II.

The cancellation of the visit left the Danish royal family flabbergasted, while other politicians said the snub was “deeply insulting.”

“It [the cancellation] was a surprise -- we have nothing more to say about this case,” said Lene Balleby, head of communications for the Danish royal family.

Helle Thorning-Schmidt, a former prime minister, tweeted that Trump's cancellation was “deeply insulting to the people of Greenland and Denmark,” while ex-foreign minister Martin Lidegaard told Danish broadcaster TV2 that the situation was “a diplomatic farce” and slammed Trump for “grotesque” behavior.

“Total chaos,” the former finance minister Kristian Jensen wrote. “This has gone from a great opportunity for a strengthened dialogue between allies to a diplomatic crisis.”

Pernille Skipper, the speaker of Parliament’s leftist red-green alliance, tweeted that Trump “lives on another planet,” adding that he’s “smug and disrespectful.”

(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; Front Page News
KEYWORDS: denmark; greenland; royals; ruthles
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To: ruthles

I love this action by Trump. He’s positioning with Greenlanders who can vote for independence and leave Denmark with no US money.

Screw Denmark!


181 posted on 08/21/2019 3:12:14 PM PDT by ConservativeMind (Trump: Befuddling Democrats, Republicans, and the Media for the benefit of the US and all mankind.)
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To: Ol' Dan Tucker

Those dwelling in Greenland can evaluate an offer. Denmark says, at least on paper, that the residents have self determination.

They aren’t privileged to participate in any form of U.S. elections, and are not subject to the laws quoted. The Greenlandic referendum would be weighing the pros and cons of any U.S. offer, in light of China’s track record per silk road activity in poor countries.


182 posted on 08/21/2019 3:20:15 PM PDT by Ozark Tom
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To: kabar
IMO Trump is pissed because there were probably behind the scenes discussions with the Danes who seemed receptive to the possibility. When it became public, the Danes feigned surprise and dismissed it as absurd. Trump responded by canceling the trip.

I think you nailed it. Of course advance work is done for such a visit. And the US would not buy Greenland for a golf resort development, either, but rather for its geostrategic location.

183 posted on 08/21/2019 3:20:55 PM PDT by Albion Wilde (It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it. --Douglas MacArthur)
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To: LesbianThespianGymnasticMidget
And the fact that you can not laugh at that image proves my point.

When did we develop a friendly rapport that would lead me to believe you posted that image to me in jest?

You sir are an insufferable prig.

Could be. But, there is no longer any doubt that you're a lying, socialist democrap.

184 posted on 08/21/2019 3:21:29 PM PDT by Ol' Dan Tucker (For 'tis the sport to have the engineer hoist with his own petard., -- Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 4)
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To: DoodleDawg

First we have to take Canada, then we can move on Greenland. Then we use that as a bridge to occupy Europe, then move into Asia...Oh, wait, that’s Risk.


185 posted on 08/21/2019 3:21:36 PM PDT by Bubba Ho-Tep ("The rat always knows when he's in with weasels."--Tom Waits)
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To: SaveFerris

Nancy and Barrack have been up to mischief in Europe once again!


186 posted on 08/21/2019 3:24:41 PM PDT by Ozark Tom
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To: sinsofsolarempirefan

Utterly retarded?

No.
Clearly smarter than you or I or the Danes or the press.

I would say that this incident sent his message exactly where he wanted it to go.

Which is to the inhabitants of Greenland.


187 posted on 08/21/2019 3:29:34 PM PDT by MrEdd (Caveat Emptor)
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To: ruthles

The royals are superb? That’s kind of an 18th century thing to say.


188 posted on 08/21/2019 3:37:44 PM PDT by enumerated
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To: SeekAndFind; All

i have not read all the comments yet (sorry) but perhaps this is all pre-arranged kabuki between trump and denmark?

denmark government wants to sell, to fund their liberal feelgood programs such as new bicycle trails and so on. who knows, maybe they dislike the greenlanders too.

trump wants to buy.

only liberal kneejerk danes stand in the way.

politicians of both countries conspire to get trump to post on instagram to let off some political steam.

the next time around, the topic has already been discussed to death and the kneejerk liberals are more resigned or more open, take your pick. and trump gets to troll the usa liberals again.


189 posted on 08/21/2019 3:39:28 PM PDT by SteveH (intentionally blank)
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To: SteveH
i have not read all the comments yet (sorry) but perhaps this is all pre-arranged kabuki between trump and denmark?

I can't imagine why.

denmark government wants to sell, to fund their liberal feelgood programs such as new bicycle trails and so on.

Unlike the U.S., Denmark is running a budget surplus so they apparently have no problems funding their liberal feelgood programs, bike trails, and what have you.

only liberal kneejerk danes stand in the way.

And the people of Greenland. Don't forget them.

190 posted on 08/21/2019 3:45:22 PM PDT by DoodleDawg
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To: sinsofsolarempirefan

Utterly retarded?

No.
Clearly smarter than you or I or the Danes or the press.

I would say that this incident sent his message exactly where he wanted it to go.

Which is to the inhabitants of Greenland.


191 posted on 08/21/2019 3:46:11 PM PDT by MrEdd (Caveat Emptor)
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To: ruthles
Trump needs to apologize.

The president of MY country doesn't need to apologize to any foreign country for whatever reason..........That's why I voted for him.

192 posted on 08/21/2019 3:57:09 PM PDT by Hot Tabasco (I'm in the cleaning business.......I launder money)
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To: ruthles

A bunch of insulated from reality royals get their panties in a bunch and I’m suppose to want POTUS to issue an apology?? He’s right, since the business part got nixed, there was no reason to spend the American taxpayer money to prep the site, provide the transportation for dozens etc. etc.

If the PM comes around, he can still go then. As is.....meh.


193 posted on 08/21/2019 4:34:10 PM PDT by prairiebreeze (Don't be afraid to see what you see. -- Ronald Reagan)
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To: Dave W

Maybe Trump should consult you before cancelling his next trip.


194 posted on 08/21/2019 4:35:09 PM PDT by ohioman
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To: P-Marlowe

Yes, agreed.


195 posted on 08/21/2019 4:36:21 PM PDT by prairiebreeze (Don't be afraid to see what you see. -- Ronald Reagan)
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To: sinsofsolarempirefan

. Why is he talking on Twitter about buying Greenland off Denmark like its a tradable commodity and then getting all pissed off when the Danes are understandably puzzled and offended?


Because you (and the public at large) were missing the part where it had been an ongoing negotiation for a couple of years after Greenland had approached Denmark for basic infrastructure, was turned down, approached China for investment, and the US intervened as part of diplomacy to keep China out while relieving Denmark of its tax drain.

There’s an article that notes that he is the *third* US President since WWII to make the offer.


196 posted on 08/21/2019 4:40:43 PM PDT by lepton ("It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of a thing he was never reasoned into"--Jonathan Swift)
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To: Lisbon1940

Even the Scottish ones?

(Oops...I guess that’s another problem...)


197 posted on 08/21/2019 4:45:28 PM PDT by Jamestown1630 ("A Republic, if you can keep it")
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To: ruthles
Denmark didn’t deserve this. The royal family is superb. Trump needs to apologize.

No, no, no. Denmark should apologize to President Trump for their P.M.'s rudeness. They have been selling out Greenland to China while snubbing the USA. 86,000 PRC Chinese in Greenland working on projects approved by Denmark that put USA interests in jeopardy.

198 posted on 08/21/2019 4:50:30 PM PDT by roadcat
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To: Albion Wilde
You are correct. I have been a member of about 10 Presidential advance teams. It is SOP for a WH Advance Team to go to the proposed site about a month before the visit. In addition to making logistical arrangements with the host government and our embassy, there are a number of substantive issues that are put on the agenda in discussion with the host government. The US Embassy takes the lead with direction from the WH on what subjects will be covered and this is worked out with the host government. Often there is some sort of agreement that can be used for a photo op with both parties signing it.

Every Presidential visit is choreographed by the minute with a detailed schedule. I can recall an elevator manifest in the Vatican when Reagan visited. Nothing is left to chance.

There is no doubt in my mind that we raised the Greenland issue with the Danes in preparation for the President's visit. Someone leaked it either on our side or on the Danish side. I suspect it happened on our side, which probably caused some consternation on the Danish side. That said, the Danish PM did not act very diplomatically in her response. Calling it absurd was uncalled for. Albeit, I say that without knowing how radioactive this issue may be in terms of Danish domestic politics. The PM's response was meant primarily for her constituents.

If the decision is up to the residents of Greenland, this could help Trump. I understand that a poll was taken in 2017 about Greenland becoming part of the US and 64% of the respondents favored going with the US. Maybe Trump's public statement of support for "purchasing" Greenland will spark a referendum. In any event, a tempest in a teapot.

199 posted on 08/21/2019 5:34:54 PM PDT by kabar
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To: mass55th

International “baby blimp” protesters and “Forever president” Obama were also going to be in Denmark, stinking like a rotten fish.


200 posted on 08/21/2019 5:38:29 PM PDT by a fool in paradise (Denounce DUAC - The Democrats Un-American Activists Commitee)
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