The United States’ recent actions in Venezuela, including the apprehension of President Nicolas Maduro, have sparked concerns in Europe that Washington’s threats regarding Greenland could escalate beyond mere political rhetoric, according to a report in The Times.
The British newspaper, in a piece by its Berlin correspondent Oliver Moody, suggests that the Trump administration’s intervention in Venezuela, specifically the reported airstrikes on military installations, has reminded European officials that Washington’s previous pronouncements about acquiring Greenland might not be empty words.
The anxiety has reportedly intensified following the circulation of posts and slogans by figures close to the White House hinting at a potential takeover of the island. This prompted Denmark and Greenland to issue official statements reaffirming their rejection of any infringement upon their sovereignty, while also attempting to reassure the public.
Kaitie Miller, the wife of influential White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, reportedly shared an image on X (formerly Twitter) depicting the semi-autonomous Danish territory overlaid with the American flag, accompanied by the caption “Coming soon.”
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Bourup Egede, responded to the post, labeling it “disrespectful.” He stated on X that “Relations between countries and peoples are built on mutual respect and international law, not on symbolic gestures that disregard our status and rights.” He further added, “There is no reason to panic or worry. Our country is not for sale, and our future is not decided through social media posts.”
Despite Greenland’s reassurances, former President Trump has maintained that the United States “needs” Greenland for defense purposes. This stance aligns with a broader objective of restoring American dominance in the Western Hemisphere, as outlined in the updated U.S. security strategy. The island is viewed as strategically vital for American defense and within Washington’s traditional sphere of influence, despite its autonomous status.
