Discussion on Greenland’s Status with the White House
On Monday, CNN’s Jake Tapper pressed Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff for policy, with hard-hitting questions aimed at generating headlines.
President Donald Trump recently hinted again at U.S. interest in Greenland, suggesting on an Air Force plane that national security concerns might warrant U.S. oversight of the island, which is strategically located and resource-rich. During an appearance on “The Lead,” Tapper repeatedly sought clarification from Miller on whether the administration would completely rule out the possibility of using military force to assert control over Greenland.
“Can we rule out the chance that the U.S. would eventually attempt to occupy Greenland by force?” Tapper asked Miller directly.
“Let’s take a step back. The president has been pretty clear these past few months,” Miller responded.
“So, I realize this may sound like breaking news to you, but the president has stated that the U.S. should consider Greenland as part of its overall security framework,” he added.
Tapper then referenced a social media post from Miller’s wife made shortly after U.S. actions in Venezuela. Miller countered the connection, claiming U.S. policy on Greenland has remained consistent throughout his time in office.
“Yes, but your wife’s post came just hours after her surgery in Venezuela. That’s why it seems relevant,” Tapper noted.
“No, no, we can discuss that for an hour. But Jake, it’s important to clarify that this has been the official stance of the U.S. government since the start of this administration,” Miller replied. “In fact, even during the previous Trump administration, there was a belief that Greenland ought to be part of the U.S. The president has articulated that clearly.”
Miller’s wife, Katie Miller, shared an image on X featuring Greenland draped in an American flag, with the word “SOON” written on it, shortly after Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was detained. Despite Tapper’s continued probing about the potential use of military force, Miller maintained his composure.
“The pressing question is: What grounds does Denmark have for claiming control over Greenland? What legitimizes their territorial claims? The U.S. is a NATO power,” he stated. “For the U.S. to secure the Arctic region and safeguard NATO interests, it stands to reason that Greenland should be part of the United States. This is the dialogue we need to have moving forward as a community of nations.”
Tapper pressed further.
“So does that imply we can’t fully reject the possibility of the U.S. using military strength to take control of Greenland?” he inquired.
Miller replied, emphasizing, “This is a catchy headline about me not backing down. The U.S. should indeed consider Greenland part of itself. There’s no reason to frame this in terms of military intervention. ‘No one is going to confront the U.S. in a military manner,’ he asserted.
President Trump has repeatedly promoted the idea of U.S. authority over Greenland, citing its Arctic location and significant resource reserves. In December, Trump appointed Jeff Landry as the U.S. special envoy for this issue.
Landry openly supported the plan just days before Trump took office, suggesting that incorporating Greenland into the U.S. would be advantageous for both sides, and urged prompt action.
