Trump edition: Annexing Greenland, Signal-gate and inside the battle for America’s foreign policy
Mar 28, 2025
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Kurt Mills, Executive Editor of The American Conservative, offers deep insights on U.S. foreign policy. Anders Vistisen, a Danish MEP, discusses Greenland’s sovereignty in light of recent U.S. ambitions for annexation. Charly Salonius-Pasternak analyzes Arctic geopolitics, including security implications from the 'Signal-gate' incident. The trio examines how American actions could destabilize global dynamics, especially in relation to Russia and NATO. They engage in heated debates about nationalism, diplomacy, and the complexities of foreign relations in a changing world.
A significant security breach by U.S. officials using an unsecured messaging app highlights vulnerabilities in discussing military operations like airstrikes in Yemen.
Vice President J.D. Vance's hesitance about military action underscores internal divisions within the administration regarding foreign policy priorities towards Europe.
Trump's interest in annexing Greenland has sparked diplomatic tensions with Denmark, reflecting broader geopolitical complexities and nationalist sentiments in international relations.
Deep dives
Signalgate: Security Breach and Team Dynamics
A significant security breach occurred when a group chat, unsecure due to the use of a commercial messaging app, was used by high-ranking officials to discuss sensitive military operations, including airstrikes in Yemen. This highlights the serious implications of using personal smartphones for such discussions, leading to immense concern among security experts. The leak provided a rare insight into the thought process and team dynamics of key national security figures, including Vice President J.D. Vance, who questioned the airstrike due to potential benefits for Europe rather than moral objections. His perspective has raised eyebrows, indicating a deeper divide within the administration regarding foreign policy priorities.
J.D. Vance's Role and Foreign Policy Implications
J.D. Vance emerged as a somewhat isolated voice within the administration, expressing hesitance about military action in Yemen primarily due to concerns about European implications. His stance contrasts sharply with other cabinet members like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who argue for a more aggressive approach. Vance's position not only brings attention to his own political strategy but may also indicate underlying tensions within the administration regarding the U.S. stance toward Europe. This internal conflict reflects a broader question about America's global commitments and the nature of its alliances moving forward.
Trump's Aspirations for Greenland
Donald Trump's intentions to annex Greenland are stirring international tensions, particularly between the U.S. and Denmark, as well as raising concerns about broader Arctic strategizing. Greenland holds strategic and economic importance, which the Trump administration argues is necessary for national security, though many experts believe these claims are overstated. The visit from Vice President Vance to Greenland appears to reinforce U.S. ambitions, leading to notable diplomatic friction, as political leaders in Denmark explicitly reject the notion of selling the territory. This situation encapsulates the complexities of modern geopolitical interests amid shifting power dynamics in the Arctic.
Reaction in Denmark and the Rest of the Arctic
The reaction in Denmark has been overwhelmingly negative, with a collective sentiment that the U.S. is overstepping boundaries concerning Greenland, which has been part of the Danish kingdom for centuries. Public and political figures alike are expressing discontent with the Trump administration's approach, seeing it as a humiliation for both Denmark and its longstanding alliance with the U.S. The situation has ignited discussions about the implications for other Nordic and Arctic nations, raising fears that unchecked U.S. ambitions could exacerbate regional tensions. This backdrop highlights the fragility of international relations in the context of national security and territorial sovereignty.
A Broader Shift in Global Conservatism
The unfolding situation with Greenland Reflects broader trends in global conservatism, as factions within right-wing movements grapple with issues such as nationalism versus international relationships. While some European conservatives may align with Trump’s vision, others like Denmark's populist parties show caution, stressing the importance of national interests over external influence. This divergence could lead to further fragmentation within the right-wing political landscape across Europe, particularly regarding foreign policy stances towards the U.S. and its aspirations. As populism continues to evolve, these dynamics could significantly reshape the future of transatlantic alliances and political ideologies.
This week, we discovered that recent US airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen were coordinated over the unsecured Signal messaging app, where officials accidentally added Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor of The Atlantic, to the group chat. This astonishing security lapse offered a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into America’s top national security figures as they make high-stakes decisions. So, what did we learn?
Plus: As Vice President J.D. Vance visits America’s air base in Northern Greenland following Donald Trump’s declaration that he will do whatever it takes to assert control over the island, we examine what a potential US annexation means for Denmark, Greenland, and the broader Arctic.
Roland Oliphant is joined by David Blair, former foreign policy speech writer at No10, Curt Mills, Executive Editor of The American Conservative, Danish politician and MEP Anders Vistisen, and Charly Salonius-Pasternak, CEO of Nordic West Office.
