Trump was asked whether he would use force to take over Greenland. He replied, “No comment.”

US President Donald Trump has reiterated his intention to take control of Greenland, threatening European countries with additional tariffs for opposing his demands while citing alleged security threats from China and Russia linked to the island.

Earlier in the day, Trump said he no longer needs to think “purely of peace” after being passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize, adding that the world would not be safe until Washington controlled Greenland.

However, Trump has stopped short of saying whether he would use military force, particularly after talks with Denmark failed to produce any agreement. In an interview with NBC News, the US president declined to clarify his position when asked directly if he would use force to seize Greenland, responding, “No comment.”

Trump also said Europe should focus on the war in Ukraine rather than opposing his Greenland ambitions.

“Europe ought to focus on the war with Russia and Ukraine because, frankly, you see what that’s gotten them,” he said. “That’s what Europe should focus on — not Greenland.”

Despite strong opposition from European leaders and NATO allies, Trump has continued to test relations by insisting the US would take control of Greenland “one way or the other.”

Stepping up pressure, he announced last Saturday that the US would impose 10 percent tariffs on Denmark and seven other European countries until an agreement is reached over American control of Greenland. The tariffs are set to take effect on February 1.

Trump links Greenland stance to Nobel snub

Trump has also linked his hardened stance to his failure to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. In a letter to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Trump said he “no longer feels an obligation” to think purely in terms of peace after the Nobel Committee declined to award him the prize.

Norway is among the countries targeted by the new tariffs. Trump dismissed claims that Norway has no influence over the Nobel Committee’s decisions.

“Norway totally controls it despite what they say. They like to say they have nothing to do with it, but they have everything to do with it,” he told NBC News.

He added, “I don’t care about the Nobel Prize.”