President Trump’s abrupt decision to cancel his visit to Denmark over the prime minister’s refusal to discuss the sale of Greenland to the United States came as a shock to the royal household.
The news was “a surprise” to the Danish royals, spokeswoman Lene Balleby told the Associated Press on Wednesday. Queen Margrethe II had invited Trump to visit the country early next month.
Trump said Tuesday he was canceling his meeting with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen because she declined to discuss his interest in purchasing Greenland.
“The Prime Minister was able to save a great deal of expense and effort for both the United States and Denmark by being so direct. I thank her for that and look forward to rescheduling sometime in the future!” he tweeted.
….The Prime Minister was able to save a great deal of expense and effort for both the United States and Denmark by being so direct. I thank her for that and look forward to rescheduling sometime in the future!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 20, 2019
White House spokesman Judd Deere confirmed that the visit to Denmark had been scrapped.
The Danish prime minister is expected to make a statement on the matter 9 a.m. Wednesday.
