France on Monday delivered a sharp and sarcastic response to comments made by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Greenland. Using biting comparisons, Paris criticised what it called the weak reasoning behind Washington’s push to gain control of the Arctic territory.
In a post shared on X, the official account of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs mocked Bessent’s argument. The post compared the US logic to causing harm today to avoid a possible problem in the future.
“If there were a fire someday, firefighters would intervene so better burn the house now,” the post said.
The message continued with similar sarcastic examples.
“If a shark might attack someday, intervention would follow so better eat the lifeguard now,” it added. Another line read, “If there were a crash someday, damage would occur so better ram the car now.”
Why France Reacted Strongly
France’s response followed remarks by Bessent defending US President Donald Trump’s Greenland policy. Bessent argued that the United States could not afford to “outsource” its security. He warned that any future conflict in the Arctic region would inevitably force the US to get involved.
During an interview, Bessent said that if Greenland were attacked by Russia or “from some other area,” Washington would have no choice but to intervene.
“And so better now, peace through strength,” he said. He also claimed that while “Europeans project weakness,” the United States “projects strength.”
Warning to Europe Over Tariffs
According to AFP, Bessent also cautioned European countries against responding to Trump’s tariff threats. “I think it would be very unwise,” he said, referring to possible retaliation.
Bessent stated that Trump views Greenland as a “strategic asset.” He repeated that “we are not going to outsource our hemispheric security to anyone else.”
When asked about reports that Trump linked the Greenland issue to Norway’s Prime Minister and the Nobel Peace Prize, Bessent distanced himself from the claim. “I don’t know anything about the President’s letter to Norway,” he said, adding, “I think it’s a complete canard that the President will be doing this because of the Nobel Prize.”
Trump’s Tariff Threat Escalates Tensions
Trump has threatened to impose a 10 per cent tariff on goods imported into the United States from several European nations. These include Denmark, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands. The tariffs are set to take effect from February 1 unless Denmark agrees to give up control of Greenland.
The move has sparked strong backlash across Europe. Several leaders have accused Washington of using economic “blackmail.”
US Cites Past Territorial Deals
To strengthen the administration’s argument, Bessent pointed to past examples of US territorial expansion. “How did the US get the Panama Canal? We bought it from the French,” he said. He added, “How did the US get the US Virgin Islands? We bought it from the Danes.”
He also highlighted Greenland’s strategic value because of its rare earth mineral reserves. These resources are vital for advanced technologies. Bessent further raised concerns about China’s involvement in mining operations on the island.
Macron Pushes Back
France had already taken a firm stand against Trump’s tariff threats. According to the Associated Press, French President Emmanuel Macron said that “no intimidation or threats will influence us, whether in Ukraine, Greenland or anywhere else in the world when we are faced with such situations.”
Macron also said that “tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context.”
European leaders have warned that Trump’s approach could seriously damage relations between the United States and Europe, raising fears of a major breakdown in transatlantic ties.
