Stephen Miller, a senior aide at the White House, recently sparked discussions about the United States’ strategic interests in the Arctic, specifically regarding Greenland. During an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Miller confidently stated that no nation would engage in military conflict with the U.S. over Greenland’s future.

In his remarks, Miller emphasized the importance of Greenland for America’s broader foreign policy objectives, particularly in the context of securing the Arctic region. “To protect and defend NATO and its interests, it’s essential that Greenland becomes part of the United States,” he asserted. This, he argued, is a conversation that the nation needs to engage in, alongside its allies.

Miller further suggested that the U.S. should address Greenland’s strategic importance as part of its international dialogues, involving a community of nations. Moreover, he raised questions about Denmark’s authority over the territory, hinting at a broader geopolitical deliberation.

As President Biden and his team explore various strategies to enhance U.S. influence in the Arctic, the potential role of the military remains on the table, underscoring the significance of this discussion in shaping future foreign policy.

He also questioned Denmark’s “right” to control the territory.

“What is the basis of their territorial claim? What is the basis of having Greenland as a colony of Denmark?” he said.

The island, which is about the size of Western Australia, is in an important strategic location in the North Atlantic and is already home to a substantial number of US military personnel.

Greenland also has a vast amount of untapped mineral wealth. Climate change has made those underground minerals more accessible in recent years.

The autonomous territory has a population of about 57,000 people.