Europe Seeks Negotiation After U.S. Aide Questions Denmark’s Control of Greenland

European leaders are pushing to resolve tensions through negotiation after Stephen Miller, a close aide to President Trump, refused on CNN to rule out U.S. military action to seize Greenland and questioned Denmark’s authority over the territory, according to diplomats and others. Miller asked, “By what right does Denmark assert control over Greenland?” and said, “Obviously, Greenland should be part of the United States,” remarks that followed Mr.

Trump’s own comments that “we do need Greenland, absolutely” and that he would pursue a deal “the easy way” or “the hard way.” The comments stunned Denmark’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, who has warned an American attempt to take Greenland by force would “mean the end of the NATO alliance,” and prompted Danish officials to say soldiers would be allowed to shoot if Greenland were invaded.

European officials, divided on how forcefully to respond, are quietly drafting options including a NATO military buildup, offering the United States expanded access to Greenland’s mineral resources, or altering Greenland’s legal status so the island could associate with the U.S. without a transfer of ownership; some officials have urged offering Greenland a large economic “carrot,” the New York Times said.

Diplomats and officials said there is little evidence an invasion is imminent and that European leaders are still trying to determine how real Mr. Trump’s goals are.

Key Topics

World, Greenland, Stephen Miller, Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, Nato