In brief
In a recent CNN interview, Stephen Miller, a senior aide to former President Trump, declared that Greenland should be part of the United States for national security reasons. He insisted that no one would fight the US for the territory, a claim that has sparked outrage in Denmark and a united front from several European allies. The discussion about Greenland's status has resurfaced, drawing attention to its strategic importance amid global military dynamics.
One of Donald Trump's most influential aides has said Greenland should become part of the US in order to protect Nato and the Arctic.
Asked in an interview with CNN to confirm the US would rule out the use of force to annex the semi-autonomous region of fellow Nato member Denmark, Stephen Miller said, nobody's going to fight the US over the future of Greenland.
On Sunday Trump repeated his insistence that the US needs Greenland - to the consternation of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen who said an attack by the US would spell the end of Nato.
Six European allies rallied to Denmark's support with a joint statement on Tuesday.
'Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations, read the statement by the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark.
In his interview with CNN, Miller said it was the formal position of the US government that Greenland should be part of the US.
He went on: By what right does Denmark assert control over Greenland? What is their basis of claiming Greenland as a colony of Denmark?
The top Trump aide also stated that the US is the power of Nato. For the US to secure the Arctic region, to protect and defend Nato and Nato interests, obviously Greenland should be part of the US.
The issue of Greenland's future resurfaced in the wake of the US military intervention in Venezuela, during which elite troops went in to seize the country's President Nicolás Maduro.
After the raid, Trump indicated that the US would run Venezuela for an unspecified period of time.
He also reiterated a return to a policy of US supremacy in the Western hemisphere, warning countries about US intentions.
Miller's wife Katie posted on social media a map of Greenland with the colors of the American flag, hinting at her support for the annexation.
This has reignited concerns regarding potential military force being considered to secure Greenland, a region rich in resources essential for high-tech industries.
While Greenland has a population of 57,000 and has enjoyed self-government since 1979, competence over defense and foreign policy remains with Denmark.
Most Greenlanders favor eventual independence from Denmark but show overwhelming opposition to becoming part of the US.
