A key figure from Donald Trump's top aides has ramped up the pressure on the Danish government by questioning Copenhagen’s claim to the vast Arctic island.
Force Deemed Unnecessary
The president’s deputy chief of staff, also claimed the use of armed force would not be needed to take over the northern landmass because “no nation would engage the United States in combat over the fate of Greenland”.
“What do you mean military action against Greenland? Its population numbers just a population of 30,000 people,” Miller inaccurately claimed, despite the actual figure being closer to 57,000.
Miller further proposed that Copenhagen lacks a legitimate right to the region, which is a former Danish colony and continues as a constituent country of the Danish kingdom.
Escalating Diplomatic Strains
These remarks follow a period of increasing friction between the US and Denmark after the US president’s renewed calls to purchase Greenland.
A key parliamentary committee in Denmark has convened an emergency session to examine the kingdom’s relationship with the United States.
Speaking to media, Miller asserted that control over Greenland could be achieved without armed conflict due to its small population.
Challenging Copenhagen's Rule
“The real question is what right does Denmark have to exercise sovereignty over Greenland? What is the basis of their ownership claim?” Miller questioned.
He added: “As the leading power within the power of NATO. For the US to secure the Arctic region to safeguard the alliance, it is logical that Greenland should be incorporated into the United States.”
There was, he said “no requirement to even consider or discuss” a military operation in Greenland, reiterating: “Nobody is going to fight the US militarily.”
Global Responses
These statements came after Trump remarked recently, following events in Venezuela, that the US needed Greenland “urgently”.
Denmark's leader, Mette Frederiksen, responded by warning that an attack by the US a NATO ally would mean the end of the military alliance and “the postwar security order”.
The island's own leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, also made a strong statement, calling on the US president to give up his “fantasies about annexation” and labeled American rhetoric of being “wholly inappropriate”.
Historical Context and Current Stance
Miller’s comments were preceded by his wife, a conservative commentator, shared a digital image of Greenland under a US flag with the tag “SOON”.
When questioned on the social media post, he responded by stating: “It has been the formal position of the US government since the start of this presidency... Donald Trump has been explicit about that.”
The territory was under colonial rule until 1953, when it was integrated of the Danish realm. The US has had a strategic installation there, important for its national missile defense network.
In recent years, there has been increasing sentiment for self-rule, especially following revelations about historical policies of Greenlandic people.
But amid the prospect of acquisition talk, Greenland in March formed a new unity government in a show of national unity, with its agreement stating: “Greenland belongs to us.”
