A veterans' rehabilitation project operating in Greenland has voiced profound dismay and alarm at renewed suggestions from Donald Trump's camp that the United States could seize the vast, semi-autonomous territory by force.
Veterans' Project Condemns 'Disrespectful' Rhetoric
The voluntary, non-political Veterans' Project Greenland has issued a stark statement in response to the escalating rhetoric from the former US president. Following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on Saturday, January 7, 2026, Trump has reportedly intensified his focus on acquiring the strategically crucial island.
In a joint statement, the project's chairman, Gerth Sloth Berthelsen, and vice chairman, Mads Rasmussen, told Metro: "The unstable security situation surrounding Greenland has shaken us. For us, one thing is clear: Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people."
They expressed shock at the conduct of the United States, stating it showed "disrespect we are witnessing in general and in relation to international law." The White House confirmed yesterday that "the president and his team are discussing a range of options," including the potential use of the military to take over the territory, which remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
A Longstanding Alliance Now Under Strain
The veterans' group highlighted the deep historical ties between the US and Denmark, which have fought side-by-side in conflicts from World War Two to Afghanistan and Iraq. Denmark's membership in NATO since 1949 has further cemented this security partnership.
"We have for decades fought side by side with American forces in conflicts around the world," Berthelsen and Rasmussen said. "It is, quite simply, disrespectful – towards the Greenlandic people and towards the veterans throughout the Kingdom of Denmark." They were careful to note they speak only for their own association, not all Danish veterans.
The project itself is part of this legacy, supporting former service members, including those grappling with mental health issues, on the world's largest island.
Greenland's Strategic Value and Local Opposition
Donald Trump first publicly floated the idea of purchasing Greenland during his initial term in 2019 and has since classified the island as a "national security priority" for the US. Its significance is heightened by:
- Vast deposits of rare earth minerals.
- The potential for new Arctic trade routes as ice cover diminishes.
- Growing interest from global powers like Russia and China.
Despite the US already maintaining the Thule Air Base on the territory, opinion polls consistently show that Greenlanders overwhelmingly oppose becoming part of the United States.
This week, some comments from Trump's circle suggested a 'softer' approach might be possible, such as an outright purchase or a Compact of Free Association. However, Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has dismissed Trump's designs as a "fantasy".
"No more pressure. No more insinuations. No more fantasies of annexation," Mr Nielsen stated. "We are open to dialogue... But this must happen through the proper channels and with respect for international law."
The situation leaves a community of veterans, who have relied on a historic bond of mutual service, deeply unsettled by the prospect of becoming a geopolitical acquisition target.
