France pushes back on Trump using military pressure to take Greenland, says it's now 'survival of the fittest'

Barrot added that he doubts Trump would take the extraordinary step of invading Greenland.

"If you're asking me whether I think the United States will invade Greenland, my answer is no. But have we entered into a period of time when it is survival of the fittest? Then my answer is yes," Barrot said.

On Tuesday, the incoming U.S. president would not rule out using military force to gain control of Greenland  or the Panama Canal when asked about the issue at a press conference.

A reporter asked Trump if he could assure the world he would not use military or economic coercion to gain control of the Panama Canal and Greenland.

"No, I can't assure you on either of those two. But I can say this, we need them for economic security," Trump said. 

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized Tuesday that Greenland is not for sale.

She reportedly told TV 2 that Greenland will choose its own future and said, "We need to stay calm and stick to our principles," while praising the U.S. as a key Danish ally. 

Trump's son arrived Tuesday in Nuuk, the Arctic territory's capital. He met with locals, visited cultural sites and shot video for a podcast. The president-elect posted a video showing a plane emblazoned with the word "TRUMP" landing in Nuuk.

"Don Jr. and my Reps landing in Greenland," Trump wrote. "The reception has been great. They, and the Free World, need safety, security, strength, and PEACE! This is a deal that must happen. MAGA. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!" 

At Tuesday's press conference, Trump said of Greenland, "Denmark should give it up."