Following a joint European statement defending Greenland's sovereignty, Denmark announces military reinforcements and increased NATO activity on the island amid comments from a Trump advisor dismissing resistance to potential US annexation.
In the wake of Tuesday's joint statement by leaders from Spain, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland, and Denmark—reaffirming that 'Greenland belongs to its people' and rejecting outside interference—Denmark is ramping up its response to renewed US interest in the territory.
The escalation follows a CNN interview with Stephen Miller, a Donald Trump advisor, who claimed 'nobody is going to fight militarily against the US for the future of Greenland' and questioned Denmark's authority over the autonomous region. This comes amid Trump's recent return to the White House and a US attack on Venezuela days earlier.
Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen stated Copenhagen will 'reinforce our military presence in Greenland' and prioritize more NATO maneuvers there, emphasizing collaboration with the US: 'We are with the Americans on this.' Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed the European backing on Facebook as 'a clear signal' of respect for sovereignty and international rules, urging diplomatic channels.
The statement, shared by Italy's Giorgia Meloni government, underscores Arctic security's role in NATO and transatlantic ties under the UN Charter.