The Trump administration's threat to take Greenland by military force, if it can't buy the island, is a stark reminder of the US president's willingness to use brute force to get what he wants. In fact, Danish troops are mandated to shoot first and ask questions later in the event of an American attack.
According to a 1952 royal decree, which applies to the entire Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, Danish military units have a duty to defend Danish territory if it is subjected to an armed attack. This means that even with its tiny military force of just 13,100 personnel, Denmark is determined to protect its sovereignty over Greenland.
But what exactly does this entail? In the event of an American attack, Danish troops would be required to take immediate defensive action if required. The decree ensures that Danish forces can act to defend the Danish Kingdom in situations where Danish territory or military units are attacked, even if circumstances make it impossible to await further political or military instruction.
The fact that Denmark's small military is ready to defend Greenland hasn't deterred US imperial ambitions. In reality, Trump has repeatedly stated that "one way or the other, we're going to have Greenland." He has also introduced legislation authorizing him to annex or acquire Greenland as a territory of the United States, which has been met with resistance from some lawmakers.
The US already has a military foothold in Greenland, with a long-standing military garrison at Pituffik Space Base. However, even this presence may not be enough to prevent Denmark from defending its sovereignty over the island.
In recent days, Danish and Greenlander government officials will meet with Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the White House. Meanwhile, US Senator Chris Coons has resisted efforts to include language in the defense appropriations bill that would prohibit federal funds from being used for an invasion of NATO member states or territories.
Despite Trump's claims that ownership is essential for success, it remains to be seen whether his administration will actually take control of Greenland through military force. One thing is certain, however: Denmark and its people will not go down without a fight to protect their sovereignty over the island.
According to a 1952 royal decree, which applies to the entire Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, Danish military units have a duty to defend Danish territory if it is subjected to an armed attack. This means that even with its tiny military force of just 13,100 personnel, Denmark is determined to protect its sovereignty over Greenland.
But what exactly does this entail? In the event of an American attack, Danish troops would be required to take immediate defensive action if required. The decree ensures that Danish forces can act to defend the Danish Kingdom in situations where Danish territory or military units are attacked, even if circumstances make it impossible to await further political or military instruction.
The fact that Denmark's small military is ready to defend Greenland hasn't deterred US imperial ambitions. In reality, Trump has repeatedly stated that "one way or the other, we're going to have Greenland." He has also introduced legislation authorizing him to annex or acquire Greenland as a territory of the United States, which has been met with resistance from some lawmakers.
The US already has a military foothold in Greenland, with a long-standing military garrison at Pituffik Space Base. However, even this presence may not be enough to prevent Denmark from defending its sovereignty over the island.
In recent days, Danish and Greenlander government officials will meet with Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the White House. Meanwhile, US Senator Chris Coons has resisted efforts to include language in the defense appropriations bill that would prohibit federal funds from being used for an invasion of NATO member states or territories.
Despite Trump's claims that ownership is essential for success, it remains to be seen whether his administration will actually take control of Greenland through military force. One thing is certain, however: Denmark and its people will not go down without a fight to protect their sovereignty over the island.
OMG, you guys, this is getting intense! 
Trump's threat to invade Greenland by military force? Like, what is going on?! 
The Danish government is all like "hold up, no way, we've got your back" and Denmark has a decree that says if they're attacked, their troops have to defend the island. 
The US already has a military presence in Greenland, but will it be enough to take down Denmark? 
And if he does try, Denmark will fight back, no question. 
The Danish people are all about protecting their sovereignty, and they won't let anyone push them around.
I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next. Will we get a peaceful resolution or a full-blown conflict? 
. The fact that Trump has repeatedly stated his intentions to annex Greenland just makes me think he's being super reckless 
. And what about the people of Greenland themselves? Have their voices even been heard in all this? It's time for some serious diplomacy, if you ask me 
.
! Like, can you even imagine having a situation where one country is threatening another just because they want to take it by force? It's wild that Denmark has laws in place to protect their territory and people, but at the same time, it's concerning that Trump is so bent on getting what he wants through military means