Travel pool #12 (Trump speech ends after making case for Greenland)

President Trump’s speech ended at 3:50 pm. Q&A session now.

As those watching in person or online saw, Trump made an aggressively worded case for acquiring Greenland. “That’s our territory,” he said, calling for “immediate negotiations.”

Trump made clear he wants ownership, not another arrangement. “Who the hell wants to defend a license agreement or a lease?”

Trump said “I won’t use force” to get the island. But during his speech he flexed U.S. military power, citing the recent operation in Venezuela.

Through it all there were uncomfortable looks on some attendees faces and some light laughter, but mostly silence.

“We want a piece of ice for world protection, and they won’t give it,” Trump said. “You can say yes and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no and we will remember.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom was among those in attendance (thanks to Jennifer Jacobs for that).

Alex Leary

The Wall Street Journal

Washington Bureau

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