President Donald Trump has tasked top military commanders with creating a strategy for a potential invasion of Greenland, drawing intense reactions both domestically and abroad. According to a report from The Mail on Sunday, the President's directive targets the Arctic territory, which is an autonomous Danish territory and a NATO ally.
The development follows a series of internal White House discussions where President Trump sought contingency plans from the Joint Special Operations Command. The initiative stems from a belief by some presidential advisers that urgent action is necessary to thwart Russian or Chinese influence over the strategically significant island.
Senior political adviser Stephen Miller is reportedly a central figure advocating for this assertive approach. This sentiment has been fueled by the success of a recent operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, reinforcing the notion that decisive military action can achieve desired outcomes.
Amidst speculation from British diplomatic sources, there's a theory that domestic political calculations may be influencing this foreign policy venture. With midterm elections on the horizon and economic issues at the forefront, a bold international move could serve as a distraction.
Should these plans advance, President Trump would likely face considerable friction with key international allies, including the United Kingdom, potentially leading to the unraveling of NATO. Senior American generals have voiced strong objections, citing the illegality of such an invasion under international law and the lack of congressional authorization.
Efforts by military leaders to steer the President toward alternative actions, such as targeting Russian ghost ships or conducting operations in Iran, have emerged. Meanwhile, European diplomats have engaged in scenario planning to anticipate various outcomes, from military intervention to diplomatic pressure aimed at detaching Greenland from Denmark.
Leaked communications describe the potential for significant repercussions, including the destabilization of NATO. Sources suggest that the Trump administration's internal circle, rather than the broader U.S. government, is applying the most intense pressure for this course of action.
In current discussions, a possible compromise could involve Denmark granting formal U.S. military access to Greenland, excluding Russia and China. While the United States already maintains considerable presence in Greenland, this would establish a more robust legal framework.
The NATO summit in July is perceived as a critical juncture, with the possibility of President Trump using the event to escalate tensions before shifting to a negotiated solution that could benefit his domestic standing. As the midterm elections draw near, the urgency for action grows, with European officials concerned about the narrowing window for intervention.
