A fan disrupted the US national anthem at an NBA game in London by shouting about Greenland, reflecting rising tensions over US interest in the territory.
Incident During US National Anthem
On Sunday, January 16, a basketball game between the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies was held at the O2 Arena in London as part of NBA games. The event began with actress Vanessa Williams performing the US national anthem. During this performance, a fan shouted “Leave Greenland in peace!” The crowd in the arena responded with loud applause and cheers.
Growing Tensions Over Greenland
Donald Trump has intensified his rhetoric regarding Greenland in recent weeks. The US President believes Washington should take control of the island, which he considers “necessary for US national security.” In early January, he told reporters, “We’re going to do something about Greenland, whether Europe likes it or not. If we don’t act, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we don’t want Russia or China as neighbors.”
Denmark’s Position on Greenland
Currently, the island is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. This situation not only raises questions about relations between these two countries but also within NATO. Last week at the White House, representatives of the Danish government and Greenland’s authorities met with US Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, the parties failed to reach an agreement. “Concepts that do not respect the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the right to self-determination of the Greenlandic population are completely unacceptable. Fundamental differences still exist between us,” said Danish Foreign Minister Lens Rasmussen at a press conference.
Trump Threatens Tariffs on European Allies
On January 14, the Danish government announced it intends to increase the presence of its armed forces in and around Greenland and conduct military exercises there in coordination with NATO allies. In response, several alliance countries decided to send their soldiers to the island. Donald Trump responded by announcing plans to impose 10% tariffs on goods from eight European countries—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Finland—if they do not begin negotiations to sell Greenland. The rates are scheduled to increase to 25% starting June 1. “China and Russia want Greenland. Denmark can do nothing about it. Only the United States of America, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, can play a role in this game, and with great success,” the US President wrote on his Truth Social platform. He also referred to the joint military exercises around Greenland conducted by Denmark and other European allies, calling them “a very dangerous situation for the security and survival of our planet.”
