Denmark has urged the US to respect its “territorial integrity”, after the wife of one of Donald Trump’s top aides tweeted a map of Greenland in the colours of the American flag.
Katie Miller, who is married to the US president’s deputy chief of staff, posted the altered image of the Danish autonomous territory on her X feed late on Saturday, alongside the word “SOON”.
Danish ambassador to the US, Jesper Moeller Soerensen, reposted her message, with a “friendly reminder” of the close defence ties between the countries.
Trump has repeatedly raised the possibility of Greenland becoming an annexed part of the US, citing its strategic location and mineral wealth.
His government’s move to appoint a special envoy to Greenland recently prompted anger in Denmark – a Nato ally that has traditionally enjoyed close relations with Washington.
Responding to the post by Ms Miller – a right-wing podcaster and former aide to Trump during his first term – Mr Soerensen said: “Just a friendly reminder about the US and the Kingdom of Denmark: We are close allies and should continue to work together as such.
“US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security. Greenland is already part of NATO. The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic.”
Mr Soerensen pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending in 2025, committing $13.7bn (£10.2bn) “that can be used in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Because we take our joint security seriously”.
He added: “And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
The exchange comes after the US carried out a major military operation against Venezuela on Saturday, capturing its president Nicolas Maduro and his wife and removing them to New York.
Trump later said the US would “run” Venezuela and US oil companies would “start making money for the country”.
The US president has previously refused to rule out using force to secure control of Greenland, a vast island in the Arctic.
Trump has claimed that making it part of the United States would serve US security interests due to its strategic location and its abundance of minerals critical to high-tech sectors.
Greenland, which has a population of 57,000 people, has had extensive self-government since 1979, though defence and foreign policy remain in Danish hands.
While most Greenlanders favour eventual independence from Denmark, opinion polls show overwhelming opposition to becoming part of the US.
By BBC News
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