What about self-respect, journalist asks Nato chief over Trump's Greenland threat

Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte faced a rather pointed question from a reporter about his "self-respect" over US President Donald Trump's remarks on Greenland and Spain. The scene unfolded during the recent Nato summit in Turkey's Ankara.

During a press interaction, a Danish journalist threw an uncomfortable question at Rutte over Trump's recurring comments about Washington wanting to take over control of Greenland and cutting ties with Spain.

A purported video of the exchange has gone viral on social media.

(Video courtesy: @atrupar/X)

"You sit next to Donald Trump at moments when he talks about conquering Greenland, talks about lashing out at allies like Spain--things it doesn't seem like the old Mark Rutte would approve of. Does this have any effect on your self-respect when you sit there and say nothing?" the reporter is heard asking Rutte in the video.

In his response, the Nato chief appeared to pivot from the point, saying, "You know... what I always do is acknowledge when praise is due, and I think we should praise Donald Trump for the fact that Nato is so much stronger."

He added, "Of course, it has to do with the Russian threat, it has to do with the war in Ukraine, but it very much also has to do with President Trump delivering now what, since Eisenhower, the United States tried to achieve – equalising spending between the US and Europe. And that makes Europe stronger. It makes Europe more relevant for the United States as a partner. (sic)"

TRUMP'S RENEWED GREENLAND PUSH

During the Nato summit in Ankara, Trump once again voiced his ambition for American control of Greenland, saying Denmark, another member of the bloc, had not done enough for the semi-autonomous Arctic island and reiterated its significance in the context of US national security.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen later rejected the renewed push while saying that "Greenland is of course not for sale."

TRUMP BLASTS SPAIN AT NATO SUMMIT

Trump also blasted some European nations over their refusal to participate in the military campaign against Iran, singling out Spain as "a terrible partner in NATO." He renewed his threats to cut off trade with Madrid.

"Spain is a wasted cause. We don't want to do any trade business with Spain any more," the President said.

"By the way, I'd like to cut it off. Spain is a terrible partner in Nato. They don't participate, they don't pay. I don't want anything to do with Spain. Cut off all trade with Spain, including visits," he added.

Trump made the remarks while standing alongside Rutte.

- Ends

(With inputs from agencies)