What's happened
Since early January 2026, former President Trump has publicly advocated for the U.S. to seize Greenland, citing national security concerns. His comments have sparked international condemnation and raised fears of a potential breach in NATO alliances, following recent aggressive actions in Venezuela and threats against other regional neighbors.
What's behind the headline?
The recent rhetoric from Trump and his aides signals a dangerous shift toward unilateral territorial ambitions, risking NATO cohesion and international stability. Stephen Miller's questioning of Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland reveals a disregard for established treaties and alliances, rooted in a belief that U.S. military power can override diplomatic norms. This approach undermines decades of Western cooperation and could trigger a broader geopolitical crisis. The polling data shows that most Americans oppose aggressive expansionism, indicating a disconnect between Trump's rhetoric and public opinion. If these threats materialize, they will likely fracture NATO unity, provoke diplomatic retaliation from European allies, and set a precedent for unilateral U.S. territorial claims. The move could also destabilize the Arctic, where Russia and China are already active, increasing the risk of conflict in a region of strategic importance. Overall, this escalation reflects a reckless pursuit of territorial dominance that will likely backfire, damaging U.S. credibility and alliances in the process.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Trump has claimed Greenland should be part of the U.S., dismissing Denmark's sovereignty and suggesting future talks on annexation. Critics condemn this as a violation of international norms, with European leaders emphasizing Greenland's right to self-determination. Andrew Feinberg from The Independent highlights that Trump's threats follow recent aggressive actions in Venezuela, including the capture of Maduro, which he claims demonstrates U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Meanwhile, the NY Post notes that Tucker Carlson previously speculated that Maduro's overthrow was linked to his opposition to gay marriage, illustrating the often bizarre justifications used for U.S. interventions. The contrasting tone between the sources underscores the seriousness of the geopolitical risks versus the more sensationalist narratives surrounding U.S. foreign policy.
How we got here
Trump's interest in Greenland dates back to his 2024 election campaign, where he claimed the Arctic territory's mineral wealth was vital for U.S. interests. Despite longstanding treaties and Denmark's sovereignty, he has repeatedly questioned Denmark's control and suggested the U.S. should incorporate Greenland. Recent actions, including the seizure of Venezuelan leader Maduro, have escalated tensions and signaled a more aggressive U.S. stance in the Western Hemisphere and Arctic regions.
Go deeper
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country on the northern coast of South America, consisting of a continental landmass and many small islands and islets in the Caribbean Sea.
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Greenland is the world's largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.