Senators journey to Denmark as Greenland tensions rise

SARAH MCCAMMON, HOST:

President Trump is escalating his effort to accumulate Greenland, which is a part of the dominion of Denmark. In a social media put up earlier as we speak, he mentioned he’ll impose a brand new 10% tariff on a number of European nations that oppose the concept – together with Germany, France and Denmark – that’s, till they get on board. This got here on the heels of a bipartisan congressional delegation that went to Denmark on Friday to attempt to flip down the temperature. NPR congressional correspondent Barbara Sprunt traveled there additionally, and she or he joins us from Copenhagen. Hi, Barbara.

BARBARA SPRUNT, BYLINE: Hi, Sarah.

MCCAMMON: So inform me extra about this delegation. Who went, and what was their objective?

SPRUNT: Well, this was a gaggle of a couple of dozen lawmakers, largely Democrats. There had been two Republicans, each of whom have proven a willingness previously to push again on the Trump administration. And this was, at its core, a reassurance tour. You know, they had been coming to hear and listen to the issues of politicians of each Denmark and Greenland, in addition to some Danish enterprise leaders. Here’s Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski talking after an occasion at Parliament yesterday.

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LISA MURKOWSKI: I feel it is very important underscore that while you ask the American individuals whether or not or not they suppose it’s a good suggestion for the United States to accumulate Greenland, the overwhelming majority – some 75% – will say, we don’t suppose that that’s a good suggestion.

SPRUNT: You know what’s attention-grabbing, Sarah – I comply with these of us round on Capitol Hill on a regular basis, and it was nearly like seeing them in a totally completely different job. They had been diplomats. They had been speaking to allies who’re frankly in disaster mode.

MCCAMMON: You know, that is a very attention-grabbing distinction – diplomats versus lawmakers. What did you see?

SPRUNT: Well, on Capitol Hill, partisanship reigns. When there’s a possibility for Democrats to take a dig at President Trump over coverage or politics, as a rule, it occurs. But right here in Copenhagen, that is not what I noticed largely. I heard a number of cautious language, lots about bringing the information that they’ve gained right here by listening to the issues of individuals on the bottom again with them to the U.S. Delaware Senator Chris Coons, who led the delegation, mentioned he’d even welcome conversations with the White House about what they’ve realized.

MCCAMMON: Needless to say, a really completely different tone from what we have heard from President Trump. What was the response from the politicians from Denmark and Greenland?

SPRUNT: They mentioned they had been happy that the delegation got here, that that they had constructive conversations and that it was necessary for lawmakers to listen to straight from officers from Greenland. And though they’re clear of their concern concerning the rhetoric round shopping for Greenland, I believed their tone was actually notable. It was calm. They repeatedly mentioned that they stand able to work alongside the U.S. Here’s Pipaluk Lynge, a Greenlandic politician. Reporters had been asking her about Trump and his feedback.

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PIPALUK LYNGE: I feel it is actually necessary to not demonize anybody. It’s actually necessary to deal with what we’re agreeing on and deal with dialogue.

SPRUNT: And I feel it is actually important there how measured she is, in no way inflaming what’s already a risky state of affairs.

MCCAMMON: Now, in fact, President Trump says he needs to take over Greenland as a result of he does not need China or Russia to take it over. What are officers there saying about that?

SPRUNT: I heard repeatedly from lawmakers that they have not acquired any intelligence that means that that’s an imminent risk. That being mentioned, Greenland and Danish officers did say that they are prepared to work with the U.S. to handle issues round safeguarding the Arctic. And I ought to point out, the U.S. already has a navy presence in Greenland.

MCCAMMON: What else are you listening to from the individuals you are assembly there in Copenhagen, Barbara?

SPRUNT: Well, I attended an illustration earlier as we speak, 1000’s of individuals marching to protest Trump. Lots of ardour, tons of chanting of, Greenland shouldn’t be on the market. I noticed a number of hats that appeared nearly just like the signature crimson Make America Great Again hats, however they mentioned, Make America Go Away. I went as much as one gentleman who had an indication that confirmed a picture of Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker, and it mentioned, Americans, we all know there may be good in you, come again to sanity. His title is Peder Dam, and he mentioned he does not suppose that Trump’s calls for are essentially consultant of what all Americans need, however he does surprise why there is not extra outrage.

PEDER DAM: I am unable to perceive. If my authorities mentioned that they might assault Sweden, then I’d step up and protest that. Why is not there extra regular, common Americans stepping up, going to demonstrations, attempting to protest what’s going on?

SPRUNT: And that is the overarching sentiment that I heard from individuals. They really feel frankly betrayed by a key ally, they usually’re very nervous about their future.

MCCAMMON: NPR’s Barbara Sprunt, reporting from Copenhagen. Thanks, Barbara.

SPRUNT: Thank you. Transcript offered by NPR, Copyright NPR.

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