We might be tempted to think (or hope) that — amidst all of the hullabaloo surrounding Iran, Ukraine, China, the Vatican, the economy, the upcoming midterm elections, and that accursed ballroom — Donald Trump would have forgotten all about his mad desire to lay claim to Greenland. After all, he hasn’t mentioned it in a while.

But we would be wrong.

As it happens, officials with knowledge of the matter say that the U.S. has been involved in regular negotiations with Denmark to expand U.S. military presence in Greenland, with the talks progressing in recent months. American representatives are said to be seeking to open three new bases in the southern part of the island, while simultaneously attempting to resolve the diplomatic damage done by Trump when he threatened to take the territory by force. [Daniel Bush, BBC, May 12, 2026.]

The talks, described as “delicate,” have been clothed in secrecy, and are said to involve a small working group on each side. A White House official told the BBC that the administration is very optimistic that the talks are “headed in the right direction.” And Denmark’s Foreign Ministry would say only that “There is an ongoing diplomatic track with the United States. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will not go into further detail at this time.” [Id.]

While there has been no indication of a formal agreement as yet, word from one official is that the U.S. has suggested an arrangement whereby the new military bases “would be formally designated as US sovereign territory.” [Id.]

“What did he say??!!!”

And that is when I really sat up and paid attention. Because the parallel is inescapable. It is exactly what Russia — having gained a military foothold in the Donbas, Crimea, and other regions of Ukraine — continues to demand as its right: a designation of those regions as Russian sovereign territory. And once that happens (if it does), there will be no stopping a future advance.

Could the same possibly take place in Greenland?

I hope someone can prove to me that I am overthinking the situation. But unless and until I’m proven wrong, I have this word of caution for the Danish officials:

“Be sure to read the fine print!”

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
5/13/26