British diplomats have expressed the opinion that Trump's actions may be an attempt to distract American citizens from the economic situation in the country ahead of the upcoming midterm elections in Congress, where he risks losing control of the legislative body. They believe that such a move could lead to a significant escalation in relations with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and even result in a rift within NATO.
Sources report that Trump has instructed the U.S. Special Operations Command to develop the necessary plans; however, generals are protesting, citing the legal inadmissibility of such an operation and a lack of support from Congress. One informant noted that the military is trying to divert the president's attention by discussing less controversial options, such as intercepting Russian vessels or possible strikes against Iran.
The materials discuss scenarios in which Washington could use military force or pressure to sever Greenland's ties with Denmark. One diplomatic document describes a "worst-case scenario" that could lead to the "destruction of NATO from within."
Some European officials suspect that this is indeed the goal of Trump's most radical supporters. The document states that if it is impossible to withdraw the U.S. from NATO through Congress, the occupation of Greenland could push European countries to exit the alliance.
According to a more compromise approach, Denmark could grant full military rights to the U.S. over Greenland, closing access to Russia and China, which would provide Washington's actions with a legal basis. Diplomats express concerns that opportunities for such steps may close this summer, and active measures could occur sooner than expected. A potential date for negotiations mentioned is the NATO summit scheduled for July 7.
According to one diplomat, American generals consider Trump's plan for Greenland to be "mad and illegal," and therefore are trying to shift the president's focus to other major military initiatives.
