US Asserts Right to Take Greenland: Military Option 'Always on Table'
In a series of statements that have sparked international tension, the Trump administration has made a clear assertion of the United States' intent to acquire Greenland. Citing national security priorities, top aide Stephen Miller and the White House have both indicated that a range of options are under consideration, including the use of military force.
Reinforcing US National Security Interests
The strategic interest in Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, has been an open discussion in the Trump administration. President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States,
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. This view is reinforced by the assertion that the island is surrounded by Russian and Chinese naval presence, further necessitating US control.
A Range of Options, Including Military
Despite the peaceful acquisition being the preferred route, the administration has not ruled out the use of military force. The White House stated that utilizing the US military is always an option at the commander-in-chief’s disposal.
This marks the clearest statement to date that military force could be considered in the pursuit of Greenland.
European and Global Reactions
The administration's assertion has been met with strong opposition from European leaders who emphasize the 'inviolability of borders'. Leaders from France, Germany, the UK, and other countries issued a joint statement with the prime minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, urging the US to respect Denmark's sovereignty.
Denmark's Prime Minister Frederiksen warned that Trump’s threats about Greenland could potentially be the end of NATO. “If the U.S. chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops. Including our NATO and thus the security that has been provided since the end of the Second World War," she said.
Current Status and Implications
As of now, the administration is discussing options to acquire Greenland. However, the prospect of a military acquisition of Greenland has brought forth concerns about geopolitical stability and the future of international agreements such as NATO.
The open discussion of the military option for acquiring Greenland by the Trump administration is a significant development that has raised alarm among allies and global observers. The issue is likely to remain a contentious point in the US's foreign policy and its relations with European allies.