(2026-01-04 20:27:00) — Denmark has requested the United States respect its territorial integrity after a social media post by the wife of a top U.S. official appeared to suggest a potential U.S. acquisition of Greenland.
The diplomatic exchange follows a post on X, formerly Twitter, featuring a map of Greenland in the colors of the American flag, prompting a response from the Danish ambassador to the U.S.
- Katie Miller, wife of a deputy chief of staff to President Trump, posted an image of Greenland altered with the colors of the U.S. flag.
- Danish Ambassador Jesper Moeller Soerensen responded, reaffirming the close alliance between the U.S. and Denmark and emphasizing Greenland’s security within NATO.
- The exchange occurred following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela, and amid past expressions of interest from President Trump in acquiring Greenland.
Katie Miller, who is married to U.S. President Donald Trump’s deputy chief of staff, posted the altered image of Greenland on her X feed late Saturday, accompanied by the word “SOON,” according to the BBC. Danish Ambassador to the U.S., Jesper Moeller Soerensen, reposted the message, offering what he called a “friendly reminder” of the close defense ties between the two countries.
Diplomatic Response
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“Just a friendly reminder about the US and the Kingdom of Denmark: We are close allies and should continue to work together as such,” Soerensen wrote in a post on X. He added that “US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security,” noting that Greenland is part of NATO and that the two countries collaborate on Arctic security. Soerensen further stated that Denmark had significantly increased its defense spending, committing $13.7 billion (£10.2 billion) for use in the Arctic and North Atlantic, and that Denmark expects “full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
Trump’s Previous Interest
This exchange follows a major U.S. military operation against Venezuela on Saturday, where President Maduro and his wife were captured and removed to New York, as reported by the BBC. Trump later stated the U.S. would “run” Venezuela and that U.S. oil companies would “start making money for the country.”
President Trump has previously expressed interest in the possibility of the United States acquiring Greenland, citing its strategic location and mineral wealth. He has “refused to rule out using force to secure control of Greenland,” according to the BBC. Greenland, with a population of 57,000, has had extensive self-government since 1979, though defense and foreign policy remain the responsibility of Denmark.
Greenland’s Position
While most Greenlanders favor eventual independence from Denmark, opinion polls indicate overwhelming opposition to becoming part of the United States, the BBC reported.
“US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security. Greenland is already part of NATO,” stated Danish Ambassador Jesper Moeller Soerensen in response to the social media post.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by BBC News and added independent analysis and context.
