Well, that escalated quickly.
Recently, the Wall Street Journal published an exclusive report that the nation has recently enhanced its intelligence-gathering efforts regarding Greenland, apparently inserting the nation’s so-called “spying apparatus” as part of the Trump administration’s efforts “to take over the island.”
The intent of the report is to highlight the apparent “seriousness of Trump’s intent to acquire the island from Denmark.”
Trump himself has also openly expressed his strong desire for the island, noting that he would not rule out any particular option in obtaining it.
“I don’t say I’m going to do it, but I don’t rule out anything … We need Greenland very badly. Greenland is a very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them, and all of that. But we need that for international security,” Trump asserted.
Interesting point. Though one worthy of further detail and explanation.
NBC News also provided detailed insight into other key stakeholders’ perceptions of the reported increase in intelligence gathering across the Arctic island.
One more dubious individual – Marc Polymeropoulos, a former career CIA officer – was skeptical of the methods used to obtain intelligence.
Per Polymeropoulos, the Trump administration should have utilized “open-source research.”
“This seems to be something that could be handled by diplomatic and State Department channels … Why would you waste precious intelligence resources on this?” Polymeropoulos complained.
Fair point.
That said, regardless of the reported increase in intelligence gathering, the Trump administration is holding firm to the position that Greenland is vital to American security interests.
James Hewitt, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, made it clear that he would not go into specifics regarding intelligence, though he would reaffirm the president’s strong interest in Greenland.
“We don’t comment on matters of intelligence. However, the President has been very clear that the U.S. is concerned about the security of Greenland and the Arctic,” Hewitt asserted.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was even blunter.
“The Wall Street Journal should be ashamed of aiding deep state actors who seek to undermine the President by politicizing and leaking classified information … They are breaking the law and undermining our nation’s security and democracy. Those who leak classified information will be found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Gabbard declared.
And, as it turns out, Gabbard was quite serious.
“I have referred three illegal leaks to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution, and we are investigating nearly a dozen more,” Gabbard proclaimed.
Perhaps the leakers might want to reconsider a cozy relationship with the press.
Author: Jane Jones
