Washington questions Denmark’s claim
Tensions between the United States and Denmark have intensified after a senior aide to President Donald Trump openly questioned Copenhagen’s right to govern Greenland. Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff for policy, suggested that Denmark lacks a legitimate territorial claim over the Arctic island and argued that US control would not require military force.
Miller said Greenland’s small population meant there was no realistic prospect of armed resistance, adding that no country would confront the United States militarily over the island’s future. His comments followed renewed statements by Trump calling for Washington to take control of Greenland, reigniting fears across Europe of an unprecedented challenge to sovereignty within the NATO alliance.
Europe rallies behind Denmark and Greenland
European leaders moved quickly to respond. France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom joined Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in issuing a joint defense of Greenland’s status. The leaders stressed that Greenland belongs to its people and that decisions concerning its future rest solely with Denmark and Greenland.
Frederiksen warned that any attack on Greenland by a NATO ally would represent a collapse of the post-war security order. She emphasized that Denmark and the United States already cooperate closely on Arctic defense and that NATO provides a collective security framework for the region.
Strategic stakes in the Arctic
Greenland holds growing strategic importance due to its location between North America and Europe and its proximity to key Arctic shipping routes. The island is also rich in minerals and hosts a major US military base that plays a role in missile early warning systems.
The Danish government has recently increased investment in Arctic defense and infrastructure while also seeking to strengthen ties with Greenland’s self-governing authorities. Officials in Copenhagen argue that cooperation, not coercion, is essential for stability in the region.
Greenland rejects annexation rhetoric
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a strong rebuke of the US remarks, calling talk of annexation unacceptable and urging Washington to abandon what he described as fantasies of control. Greenland’s government reiterated that the island is not for sale and that its people alone will decide their political future.
Although support for eventual independence from Denmark has been rising within Greenland, recent statements from US officials have prompted a rare show of unity among Greenlandic political parties. A newly formed coalition government opened its agreement with a clear declaration that Greenland belongs to its people.
Diplomatic fallout continues
Denmark’s parliament has scheduled an emergency session to assess the country’s relationship with the United States and the implications for NATO cohesion. As rhetoric escalates, European leaders have underscored that security in the Arctic must remain a collective effort based on international law and mutual respect.