The tensions created by Donald Trump’s United States are being felt in Europe. Proof of this is with a small incident that occurred this Sunday in London when a spectator shouted “Leave Greenland alone” while the American national anthem was sung at the O2 Arena, before the NBA match between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic.
Actress Vanessa Williams was performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the match when she was interrupted by boos and a man in the stands who yelled “Leave Greenland alone.” An intervention which elicited applause from part of the public.
An event which follows Donald Trump’s announcement on Saturday to impose customs duties on many European countries, including the United Kingdom, if the United States was not authorized to buy Greenland. The American president on Saturday promised several European countries that sent soldiers to Greenland a 10% surcharge effective from February 1, which could even rise to 25% on June 1. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom are covered by this announcement.
Not a first
“Our position on Greenland is very clear: it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future concerns both Greenlanders and Danes,” declared British Prime Minister Keir Starmer following this announcement. “Imposing tariffs on our allies in the name of the collective security of NATO members is completely unacceptable. We will of course raise this issue directly with the American administration. »
This is not the first time that boos have accompanied the American national anthem in a sports arena due to Donald Trump’s policies. In Canada, spectators booed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at basketball and ice hockey games last year, after Donald Trump threatened to make Canada America’s “51st state” while increasing tariffs on Canadian goods.
