Stephen Miller, a top aide to President Donald Trump, declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, and questioned Denmark's claim to the island, sparking concern among European leaders. Miller's remarks on CNN challenged Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland and asserted that "Greenland should be part of the United States," according to a transcript of the interview.
The comments, made on Monday, undermined Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's year-long effort to dissuade Trump from pursuing control of Greenland, according to diplomatic and military officials across Europe. Frederiksen had previously taken Trump's interest in Greenland seriously, but Miller's statements triggered alarm and prompted European leaders to consider a strategy of negotiation.
President Trump had earlier expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, prompting widespread discussion and criticism. The notion of the United States acquiring Greenland is not new; President Harry Truman explored the possibility of buying the island in 1946. Greenland's strategic location and natural resources have long made it of interest to the United States.
The Danish government has consistently maintained that Greenland is not for sale. Greenland enjoys a high degree of autonomy, with its own parliament and government, although Denmark handles its foreign policy and defense.
The current situation leaves European leaders weighing their options, with negotiation appearing to be the preferred path forward. The details of any potential negotiation remain unclear, and the United States government has not formally announced any specific plans regarding Greenland. The State Department has yet to comment on the matter.
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