Greenland’s PM calls a post by a Trump aide’s wife showing Greenland in US colours “disrespectful”, reaffirming the territory is not for sale
COPENHAGEN: Greenland and Denmark have condemned a social media post by the wife of a top US presidential aide that depicted Greenland painted in the colours of the American flag.
Katie Miller, wife of President Donald Trump’s deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, posted the altered image on her X feed late Saturday with the single word “SOON”.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen labelled the post “disrespectful” in a statement on Sunday.
“Relations between nations and peoples are built on mutual respect and international law — not on symbolic gestures that disregard our status and our rights,” he stated.
He added that “there is neither reason for panic nor for concern. Our country is not for sale, and our future is not decided by social media posts”.
Denmark’s ambassador to the US, Jesper Moeller Soerensen, also responded, stating “we expect full respect for the territorial integrity” of Denmark.
President Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire for the US to annex Greenland, citing national security interests and its critical mineral resources.
His administration’s moves towards that goal, including appointing an envoy to the territory, have angered both Copenhagen and the European Union.
In a telephone interview with The Atlantic, Trump was asked about the implications of the recent US military operation in Venezuela for Greenland.
“They are going to have to view it themselves. I really don’t know,” Trump was quoted as saying, adding “But we do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense.”
Ambassador Soerensen gave a “friendly reminder” that Denmark, a NATO member, has “significantly boosted its Arctic security efforts” alongside the US.
“We are close allies and should continue to work together as such,” he wrote.
Katie Miller previously served as deputy press secretary at the Department of Homeland Security and later as communications director for then vice president Mike Pence.
