At a Glance
- Trump calls for US control of Greenland for security, citing Russian and Chinese ships.
- He warns that Cuba is a “failing nation” similar to Venezuela, urging a new stance.
- Denmark and the EU protest, demanding respect for the Kingdom’s territorial integrity.
- Why it matters: It signals a more assertive US posture in the hemisphere, raising tensions with allies and rivals.
Following a covert raid on Caracas, President Trump reiterated his push for American jurisdiction over Greenland and issued a stark warning to Cuba, prompting diplomatic backlash from Denmark and the European Union.
Trump’s Greenland Gambit
During an interview with The Atlantic, Trump said:
> “We do need Greenland, absolutely,” and described the island as “surrounded by Russian and Chinese ships.”
When asked how the Caracas raid could affect Greenland, he replied:
> “They are going to have to view it themselves. I really don’t know.”
The White House has not responded to requests for comment.
Denmark’s Response and EU Condemnation
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that Trump has no right to annex Greenland and reminded him that Denmark already grants the U.S. broad access through existing security agreements.
Mette Frederiksen said:
> “He has no right to annex,” and reminded Trump that Denmark already provides the U.S. broad access.
Denmark also signed an EU statement affirming that the Venezuelan people’s right to determine their future must be respected, as Trump vowed to “run” Venezuela and pressed acting president Delcy Rodriguez to align with him.
A social media post by former Trump official turned podcaster Katie Miller showed a map of Greenland in Stars and Stripes colors with the caption “SOON.”
Katie Miller posted:
> “SOON” on a map of Greenland in Stars and Stripes colors.
Denmark’s chief envoy to Washington, Jesper Møller Sørensen, responded, saying, “We expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
Jesper Møller Sørensen said:
> “We expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
Cuba in the Crosshairs
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Cuban officials guarded Maduro during the Caracas raid, stating, “It was Cubans that guarded Maduro.”
Marco Rubio said:
> “It was Cubans that guarded Maduro.”
He added that Cuban bodyguards were in charge of internal intelligence, including “who spies on who inside to make sure there are no traitors.”
Marco Rubio added:
> “Cuban bodyguards were also in charge of internal intelligence, including ‘who spies on who inside to make sure there are no traitors.'”
Trump said the Cuban government is “very similar” to Venezuela and called it a “failing nation right now.”
Trump said:
> “Cuba is going to be something we’ll end up talking about, because Cuba is a failing nation right now, a very badly failing nation, and we want to help the people.”
Cuban authorities called a rally supporting Venezuela and warned that all nations must remain alert, saying, “All the nations of the region must remain alert, because the threat hangs over all of us.”
Cuban authorities said:
> “All the nations of the region must remain alert, because the threat hangs over all of us.”
Marco Rubio emphasized that the Western Hemisphere should not become a base for adversaries, competitors, or rivals of the United States.
Marco Rubio said:
> “This is the Western Hemisphere. This is where we live – and we’re not going to allow the Western Hemisphere to be a base of operation for adversaries, competitors, and rivals of the United States.”
Barbara Rodríguez, a biochemical laboratory worker, expressed worry about an “aggression against a sovereign state.”
Barbara Rodríguez said:
> “I worried about what she described as an ‘aggression against a sovereign state.'”
Broader Implications
The operation and Trump’s remarks signal a shift toward a more assertive U.S. posture in the Western Hemisphere, raising concerns among allies and rivals alike.
Trump’s earlier plan to appoint Republican Gov. Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland and the promise that he would help make the island part of the U.S. highlight the administration’s continued interest.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed the mission that captured Maduro and his wife, while Andrea Rodriguez reported from Havana.
Key Takeaways
- Trump’s push for Greenland and warning to Cuba heightens U.S. tensions with allies.
- Denmark and the EU firmly reject any U.S. annexation of the island.
- The U.S. military raid in Caracas has drawn sharp criticism from Cuba and the broader hemisphere.
These developments underscore a renewed U.S. assertiveness that could reshape diplomatic dynamics across the Western Hemisphere.
