Washington's political corridors are abuzz with speculation that Greenland could be the next target for a Trump-led United States, following the recent military intervention in Venezuela. The trigger was a provocative social media post from a key insider in the Trump orbit, hinting at an American takeover of the vast Danish autonomous territory.
Incendiary Social Media Post Sets Washington Wagging
Katie Miller, who served as communications director for former Vice President Mike Pence and was an advisor in the second Trump term, posted a map of Greenland covered by the American Stars and Stripes. The image was captioned with a single, ominous word: "Soon." This post came mere hours after the US launched its invasion of Venezuela, immediately setting off intense debate and concern among foreign policy observers.
Miller is married to Steven Miller, President Trump's deputy chief of staff and immigration czar, lending significant weight to her online activity. Her message was interpreted by many as a clear signal of the administration's expansionist ambitions in the Arctic region.
Diplomatic Reactions: From Friendly Reminders to Firm Rejections
The response from Denmark was swift but measured. Jesper Moller Sorensen, Denmark's Ambassador to the US, reposted Miller's incitement with a 'friendly reminder' about the strong defense ties between the two nations. "Just a friendly reminder about the US and the Kingdom of Denmark: We are close allies and should continue to work together as such," Sorensen wrote. He emphasized that "US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security" and noted Greenland's existing role within NATO.
A stronger, more definitive reaction came from the leadership of Greenland itself. Jens Frederik Nielsen, the Premier of Greenland, stated unequivocally that the image "changes nothing whatsoever." He declared, "Our country is not for sale, and our future is not decided by social media posts." Nielsen called the post disrespectful, stressing that international relations must be built on mutual respect and law, not symbolic gestures that disregard sovereignty.
A Pattern of Intent: From Trump's Words to 'Reconnaissance' Trips
Observers note this is not an isolated incident but part of a concerning pattern. Social media activist Orla Joelsen from Greenland pointed out that President Trump himself asserted just two weeks ago that the US needs Greenland for national security. Furthermore, Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked after the Venezuela invasion that "Trump does not just talk. If he says he is serious about something, he means it."
Adding historical context to the current fears, it was almost a year to the day, on January 7, 2025, that Donald Trump Jr., accompanied by the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, landed in Greenland on what was described as a "recce" or reconnaissance mission. This past event now appears in a new, more sinister light.
Commenting on the likely European response, writer Owen Jones chimed in critically, predicting, "Donald Trump is so obviously going to annex Greenland. And European leaders will respond with unparalleled levels of 'monitoring the situation,'" taking a swipe at what he sees as European weakness towards Washington.
The central question now gripping Washington is not if, but how soon "soon" might be. With the Venezuela operation as a recent precedent, few in the capital doubt the seriousness of Katie Miller's prediction, setting the stage for a potential new geopolitical crisis in the High North.
