🔗 Share this article A Top Trump Aide Intensifies Threats Regarding the Acquisition of Greenland One of Donald Trump’s top aides has increased tensions on Denmark by questioning Denmark's sovereign claim to Greenland. Force Deemed Unnecessary The president’s deputy chief of staff, stated emphatically the use of armed force would not be necessary to take over the Arctic territory because “nobody is going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland”. “The idea of military action against Greenland? Its population numbers just 30,000 inhabitants people,” Miller inaccurately claimed, the correct number being closer to 57,000. Miller further proposed that Copenhagen lacks a valid claim to the territory, which is a one-time colonial possession and remains part of the Danish kingdom. Escalating Diplomatic Strains Miller’s comments come amid growing tensions between the two NATO allies after the US president’s renewed calls to purchase Greenland. The Danish foreign policy committee has convened an extraordinary meeting to discuss the bilateral ties with the United States. In his interview, Miller told CNN that dominion of the island could be achieved without military intervention due to its small population. Questioning Danish Sovereignty “The core issue is what right does Denmark have to assert control over Greenland? What is the basis of their territorial claim?” Miller questioned. Miller continued: “As the leading power within the dominant force in NATO. For the US to protect Arctic interests to safeguard the alliance, obviously Greenland should be part of the US.” He stated there was “no need to even consider or discuss” a military operation in Greenland, adding: “Nobody is going to fight the US over this issue.” International Reactions His comments came after Trump said over the weekend, fresh from other foreign policy actions, that the US needed Greenland “very badly”. The Danish prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, responded by saying that an attack by the US a NATO ally would mean the collapse of the military alliance and “post-Second World War security”. The island's own leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, issued a strong statement, urging Trump to abandon his “fantasies about annexation” and labeled American rhetoric of being “completely and utterly unacceptable”. Background and Present Position Miller’s comments were preceded by his wife, podcaster Katie Miller, posted a digital image of Greenland draped in a US flag with the caption “SOON”. Asked about the social media post, he responded by stating: “It has been the formal position of the US government since the beginning of this administration... Donald Trump has been explicit about that.” The territory remained a colony until 1953, when it became part of the kingdom of Denmark. The US has had a military base there, important for its ballistic missile early warning system. In recent years, there has been increasing sentiment for self-rule, especially following disclosures about historical policies of the local population. However, facing the prospect of Trump’s threat, Greenland in March established a new unity government in a show of national unity, with its agreement stating: “We are the rightful owners of Greenland.”