Denmark has officially urged the United States to honor its territorial integrity, following a provocative tweet from Katie Miller, the wife of one of Donald Trump's top aides. Miller, who is married to the US president's deputy chief of staff, shared a modified image of Greenland on her X feed late Saturday night, where the island was depicted in the colors of the American flag along with the word "SOON."
In response to Miller's tweet, Jesper Moeller Soerensen, the Danish ambassador to the US, reposted her message with a friendly reminder of the strong defense ties between the two nations. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, "Just a friendly reminder about the US and the Kingdom of Denmark: We are close allies and should continue to work together as such." Mr. Soerensen underlined that the security of the US is also linked to the security of Greenland and Denmark, noting that Greenland is already a part of NATO.
Former President Donald Trump has previously suggested that Greenland could potentially become an annexed part of the US, citing its strategic location and rich mineral resources. This controversial stance has raised eyebrows and prompted discussions about sovereignty and self-determination. Mr. Soerensen reiterated the cooperative defense efforts in the Arctic, pointing out that Denmark has committed to significantly increasing its defense budget in 2025 to $13.7 billion (£10.2 billion), which can be allocated to activities in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions.
Mr. Soerensen made it clear that Denmark takes joint security with the US seriously, stating, "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark." This statement comes at a time when the US has engaged in military operations elsewhere, including a significant operation against Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Despite the ongoing discussions around its future, it is important to note that Greenland, which has a population of approximately 57,000, has enjoyed substantial self-government since 1979. However, defense and foreign policy still remain under Danish control. While many Greenlanders support the idea of eventual independence from Denmark, opinion polls indicate a strong opposition to the notion of becoming part of the United States.
As tensions rise and the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, both Denmark and the US must navigate these complex issues while respecting the rights and wishes of the people of Greenland.