Sources claim several advisors urged Trump not to pursue military action over Greenland
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President Donald Trump has reportedly asked the Joint Special Operations Command to prepare a potential invasion plan for Greenland, according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions.
The Mail on Sunday reports that Trump requested a formal plan be drawn up, although several advisors are said to have strongly cautioned against taking any military steps.
The request reportedly followed a meeting on Friday, January 9, where Trump reiterated his belief that the United States must take control of the Arctic territory while speaking with oil and gas executives about the situation in Venezuela.
"We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not," he told those present at the meeting.
"If we don't do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we're not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor."
Trump then escalated his comments further, adding: "So we're going to be doing something with Greenland, either the nice way or the more difficult way."
Donald Trump has reportedly asked for a 'plan' to be made
Alex Wong/Getty Images
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Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, one source claimed that several of Trump's advisors attempted to steer him away from any military response.
The source said: "They have tried to distract Trump by talking about less controversial measures, such as intercepting Russian 'ghost' ships - a clandestine network of hundreds of vessels operated by Moscow to evade Western sanctions - or launching a strike on Iran."
Another official reportedly described a full invasion as the worst possible outcome, warning it could effectively dismantle NATO from within.
The president spoke about the situation on Friday
SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images
They added: "Some European officials suspect this is the real aim of the hardline MAGA faction around Trump."
"Since Congress would not allow Trump to exit NATO, occupying Greenland could force the Europeans to abandon NATO. If Trump wants to end NATO, this might be the most convenient way to do it."
If Trump were to proceed, such a move would likely trigger NATO to intervene in defense of one of its members under the alliance’s mutual defense agreement.
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"If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have a NATO right now," the president said. "But we're not going to allow Russia or China to occupy Greenland, and that's what's going to happen if we don't."
Jens-Frederik Nielsen responded to the comments
Kristian Tuxen Ladegaard Berg/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
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Greenland’s prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has firmly rejected Trump’s remarks and criticized the tone and implications of the comments.
"Threats, pressure and talk of annexation have no place between friends," said Nielsen.
"That is not how you speak to people who have shown responsibility, stability and loyalty time and again. Enough is enough. No more pressure. No more innuendo. No more fantasies about annexation."