A retired US army general, known for advising Donald Trump on military matters, has shared his insights into the president’s true intentions concerning Greenland amidst escalating tensions.
While the White House has hinted at considering various options, including military action, to secure Greenland, retired General Jack Keane suggests that the official mentions of using the US military are primarily aimed at intimidating the Danish government. According to Keane, Trump has not seriously entertained the idea of physically seizing Greenland through military force.
Keane, speaking on The Times’s The General and the Journalist podcast, described the approach as a negotiation tactic to eventually strike a security deal between the United States and Greenland. He emphasized that the president is looking to reach a mutual agreement.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Denmark to explore potential solutions, including a proposal to buy the 836,330-square-mile island located approximately 2,000 miles from the US coastline.
Despite indications that Trump is determined to acquire the resource-rich territory by any means necessary, including deploying US troops, Senior Republican senator Mitch McConnell has criticized the aggressive negotiation style, labeling it as unproductive and inappropriate.
Keane, a former US Army vice-chief of staff, disclosed that he turned down offers to serve as Trump’s defense secretary but now acts as an informal advisor, engaging with the president regularly on defense issues.
He cautioned against the unprecedented move of invading Greenland, citing legal barriers that restrict such actions by the executive branch. However, some commentators have pointed out Trump’s past unilateral military actions, underscoring his willingness to bypass traditional protocols.
Amid these discussions, United States Homeland Security Adviser Stephen Miller emphasized the importance of strength and power in governing international relations, hinting at a pragmatic approach favored by the current administration.
Regarding concerns about a potential US invasion of Greenland, Miller downplayed the likelihood of military resistance, suggesting minimal opposition to American intervention in the region.
While Trump has argued that American control over Greenland is vital for the EU, NATO leaders have warned that any hostile actions towards Greenland could jeopardize the alliance’s integrity. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen firmly stated that an American assault on a NATO member would have severe repercussions.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reiterated that the fate of Greenland lies with Denmark and the Greenlandic people, emphasizing the sovereignty of the region.
Greenland, with a population of around 57,000, has maintained significant autonomy since 1979, although Denmark retains control over defense and foreign affairs. The US Space Force has a presence on the island at Pituffik Space Base, previously known as Thule Air Base, where approximately 200 personnel are stationed.