White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller doubled down on President Donald Trump’s renewed push to bring Greenland under U.S. control, while dismissing claims that such a move would require a military confrontation.
In an interview on The Lead, Miller reiterated what he described as the “formal position of the U.S. government,” saying plainly that Greenland should become part of the United States. Pressed repeatedly by host Jake Tapper on whether he would rule out military action against the semiautonomous Danish territory, Miller rejected the premise.
“The United States should have Greenland as part of the United States,” Miller said. “There’s no need to even think or talk about this in the context that you’re asking, of a military operation.” He added that the idea of an armed conflict over Greenland was unrealistic. “Nobody’s going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland,” Miller said.
Trump has long floated the idea of acquiring Greenland, pointing to its strategic value for U.S. national security. But those comments took on added significance this weekend after the administration sent shock waves around the world with a military operation that arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and transported them to New York to face charges.
With questions swirling about what country could be next to face U.S. pressure, Trump spoke candidly about Greenland on Sunday. “It’s so strategic right now,” the president said, claiming the region is crowded with Russian and Chinese ships. “We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it.”
The debate intensified after Miller’s wife, podcaster and former Trump administration official Katie Miller, posted an image on X showing Greenland filled with an American flag design and the word “SOON.” The post fueled speculation that the administration was preparing imminent action. Miller downplayed that suggestion in the interview, saying the post did not represent a new or official policy shift.
Still, he made clear he believes Denmark’s claim over Greenland deserves scrutiny. “The real question is, by what right does Denmark assert control over Greenland?” Miller asked. “What is the basis of their territorial claim? What is their basis of having Greenland as a colony of Denmark?”
Miller argued that U.S. leadership within NATO gives Washington a compelling interest in Greenland’s future. “The United States is the power of NATO,” he said. “For the United States to secure the Arctic region to protect and defend NATO and NATO interests, obviously, Greenland should be part of the United States.” He added that the issue is one the country will continue to debate openly.
Trump’s comments and Miller’s defense have unsettled European allies, particularly Denmark. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen addressed the issue in an interview with Danish broadcaster TV2, saying Trump’s words should be taken seriously.
“I believe one should take the American president seriously when he says that he wants Greenland,” Frederiksen said, according to a translation reported by Bloomberg. At the same time, she warned that a military attack on a NATO member would fundamentally change the alliance. “If the U.S. chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops,” she said, including the security framework that has existed since World War II.
While the rhetoric has intensified, Miller’s message was clear: the administration believes Greenland belongs with the United States and sees no need for force to make its case, framing the debate instead as one of strategy, security and American leadership in the Arctic.
[READ MORE: Trump Passes Over Machado After Maduro’s Capture, Insiders Point to Nobel Prize Snub]
