Air Force Secretary Trashes Trump
A former senior Pentagon official from the Biden administration is sharply criticizing President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on Greenland, calling the move unnecessary as U.S. allies respond with growing concern.
Frank Kendall, who served as Air Force secretary under President Joe Biden, accused President Trump of overstepping executive authority during a Wednesday television appearance.
Speaking on MSNBC’s Deadline, Kendall described Trump’s comments about potentially acquiring Greenland as excessive and poorly justified.
“It’s an abuse of power,” Kendall said, arguing that the proposal lacks strategic necessity.
Former Officials Defend Denmark’s Alliance With the U.S.
Kendall emphasized Denmark’s long-standing partnership with the United States, noting that the NATO ally has repeatedly supported American military operations over the decades.
He pointed specifically to Denmark’s role in Afghanistan, arguing that the country suffered significant casualties relative to its population while standing alongside U.S. forces.
According to Kendall, existing defense agreements already give the U.S. broad operational access to Greenland, making any move toward direct control unnecessary.
Trump Administration Stands by Arctic Security Concerns
Despite criticism from former officials, the Trump administration has continued to highlight Greenland’s strategic importance as competition intensifies in the Arctic.
President Trump has repeatedly pointed to the island’s geographic location and natural resources, arguing that Greenland plays a critical role in U.S. national security — particularly as Russia and China expand their presence in the region.
This week, JD Vance and Marco Rubio met with Danish and Greenlandic officials, where they reportedly rejected calls to permanently end discussion of U.S. involvement on the island.
Following the meeting, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen acknowledged a “fundamental disagreement” between the two governments.
Denmark Announces Defensive Measures in Greenland
As tensions continue, Denmark announced plans to reinforce its military presence in Greenland. The Danish Defense Ministry confirmed that aircraft, naval vessels, and troops — including forces from NATO allies — will be deployed to protect critical infrastructure and support local authorities.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she takes President Trump’s statements seriously but warned that military action against a NATO member would have far-reaching consequences.
“If the United States were to attack another NATO country, then everything stops — including NATO,” Frederiksen said in comments reported by Bloomberg.
A Larger Debate Over America’s Global Role
Supporters of President Trump argue that his willingness to challenge long-standing assumptions reflects a tougher, more realistic approach to national defense in an increasingly unstable world.
Critics, including former Biden administration officials, counter that existing alliances and agreements already provide sufficient security without escalating tensions.
As Arctic competition grows and global power dynamics shift, Greenland has become the latest flashpoint in a broader debate over America’s future role on the world stage.
