🔗 Share this article Stephen Miller Ramps Up Assertions to Take Over Greenland A key figure from Donald Trump's senior advisors has ramped up the pressure on Denmark by disputing Copenhagen’s claim to the vast Arctic island. Military Intervention Dismissed Stephen Miller, stated emphatically the use of armed force would not be necessary to take over the Arctic territory because “no nation would engage the United States militarily over the future of Greenland”. “What do you mean military action against Greenland? Its population numbers just 30,000 inhabitants people,” he incorrectly stated, the correct number being closer to 57,000. Miller further proposed that Denmark does not have a legitimate right to the region, which is a one-time colonial possession and remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Escalating Diplomatic Strains These remarks come amid increasing friction between the US and Denmark after the US president’s renewed calls to acquire Greenland. The Danish foreign policy committee has called an emergency session to discuss the kingdom’s relationship with the United States. In his interview, Miller told CNN that dominion of the island could be gained without armed conflict due to its limited number of residents. Challenging Copenhagen's Rule “The core issue is what right does Denmark have to exercise sovereignty over Greenland? What legal foundation of their ownership claim?” he asked. He added: “The US is the power of NATO. For the US to protect Arctic interests to safeguard the alliance, obviously Greenland should be incorporated into the United States.” He stated there was “no requirement to even consider or discuss” a military operation in Greenland, adding: “No country would wage war against the US militarily.” Global Responses These statements followed Trump said over the weekend, following other foreign policy actions, that the US desired the territory “very badly”. The Danish prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, responded by saying that an attack by the US a NATO ally would mean the end of the defensive pact and “post-Second World War security”. Greenland’s prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, issued a strong statement, urging Trump to give up his “notions of acquisition” and accused the US of being “wholly inappropriate”. Background and Present Position Miller’s comments were preceded by his wife, a conservative commentator, shared a digital image of Greenland under a US flag with the caption “IN THE NEAR FUTURE”. When questioned on the social media post, he laughed and said: “It has been the official stance of the US government since the beginning of this administration... Donald Trump has been very clear about that.” The territory remained a colony until 1953, when it became part of the Danish realm. The US has had a military base there, important for its national missile defense network. Recently, there has been increasing sentiment for Greenlandic independence, especially following revelations about Denmark’s treatment of the local population. However, facing the prospect of Trump’s threat, Greenland in March formed a new coalition government in a demonstration of solidarity, with its agreement stating: “We are the rightful owners of Greenland.”