By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Denmark excluded the United States from a major military exercise in Greenland this week, the largest in the island’s modern history, due to ongoing tensions over former President Trump’s interest in acquiring the territory. The exercise, involving several European NATO allies, focused on strengthening operational readiness amid increasing interest in the Arctic region from Russia and China. While U.S. military observers were present and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was invited, the U.S. military itself was not invited to participate. This decision follows Trump’s expressed interest in Greenland for national security and resource purposes, along with reports of covert U.S. influence operations there.
Read the original article here
Denmark Held One of Its Largest Ever Military Exercises in Greenland. The U.S. Was Left Out.
So, let’s unpack this whole situation. Denmark, in a move that’s generating a lot of buzz, just conducted one of its largest-ever military exercises in Greenland. And here’s the kicker: while the U.S. had a presence, it wasn’t exactly front and center. The United States sent military observers, and even had U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth invited. But the U.S. forces weren’t actively participating in the exercise, which is a detail that speaks volumes.
The exercise itself involved over 550 people and soldiers, a significant undertaking for Denmark, including substantial contributions from France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden. This international collaboration is, in itself, a statement. It highlights partnerships and shared security interests within the region, while simultaneously setting a particular tone regarding who’s in and who’s, perhaps, on the periphery.
The absence of direct U.S. involvement in the Greenland exercise is significant, especially considering the context. Remember the whole “buying Greenland” saga? It caused quite a stir. This exercise could very well be seen as a direct message, a clear assertion of Greenland’s sovereignty and Denmark’s commitment to its control.
Think of it this way: Denmark is demonstrating its ability to safeguard its territory with a show of force that doesn’t need to be overwhelming, but is, nonetheless, clearly assertive. It’s about signaling intent, about showing who’s in charge, and about sending a quiet message to those who might have other ideas. The scale itself, even if it might not seem enormous in a global military context, is calibrated for a specific purpose: to make a political statement.
The presence of observers, including U.S. observers, is interesting. It’s a diplomatic nod, ensuring a level of transparency, but it doesn’t change the fundamental message. The exclusion from active participation sends a clear signal. The U.S. might have had a seat at the table to watch, but they weren’t invited to bring their own plate of food.
Let’s not forget the political dynamics at play. The previous administration’s overtures to acquire Greenland were not well-received, to say the least. That situation certainly framed the current perception. It’s hard not to see this exercise as a consequence of past actions, a way of saying “we’re in charge, and we’ll handle things.”
The international participation, involving nations like France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden, further strengthens the message of regional solidarity. It suggests a united front, emphasizing shared security interests and the importance of protecting Arctic territories.
Of course, the United States and Denmark remain allies. But, the exercise is a reminder that even allies have their boundaries and that sovereign nations are protective of their lands.
Ultimately, this event is about more than just military drills. It’s a demonstration of political will, a reinforcement of existing alliances, and a quiet assertion of control. It’s about the choices made by Denmark and its partners, and how those choices reflect their understanding of the current world order.