US Allies Fear Trump's Next Target: Greenland After Venezuela
In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout Europe, President Donald Trump's administration seems to be targeting another US ally - Denmark's territory of Greenland. The Danish capital, Copenhagen, witnessed helicopters buzzing around its skies after Trump made good on his threats to seize the island.
While Trump's previous claims to annex Greenland have been widely ridiculed in Europe, his suggestion that he needs the island and that it might come next after Venezuela has raised concerns among US allies. Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned the US against any hostile overtures, stating "if the United States attacks another NATO country, everything stops".
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has taken a firmer stance on the issue. In a Facebook post, he condemned Trump's comments as disrespectful and added that his country is not an object to be used by superpower rhetoric.
Trump's team has been touting the strategic importance and vast mineral wealth of Greenland, claiming it would strengthen national security. However, experts have disputed these claims, stating that there are no Russian or Chinese ships in the area.
The move comes after Trump sent aircraft and personnel to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Intervention in Greenland would carry greater risks of escalation, given Denmark's NATO membership which carries the promise of mutual self-defense under Article 5.
In response to Trump's threat, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul indicated that European allies would be prepared to step in if necessary. Denmark is a member of NATO, and its territory will likely fall under the alliance's defense umbrella.
In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout Europe, President Donald Trump's administration seems to be targeting another US ally - Denmark's territory of Greenland. The Danish capital, Copenhagen, witnessed helicopters buzzing around its skies after Trump made good on his threats to seize the island.
While Trump's previous claims to annex Greenland have been widely ridiculed in Europe, his suggestion that he needs the island and that it might come next after Venezuela has raised concerns among US allies. Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned the US against any hostile overtures, stating "if the United States attacks another NATO country, everything stops".
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has taken a firmer stance on the issue. In a Facebook post, he condemned Trump's comments as disrespectful and added that his country is not an object to be used by superpower rhetoric.
Trump's team has been touting the strategic importance and vast mineral wealth of Greenland, claiming it would strengthen national security. However, experts have disputed these claims, stating that there are no Russian or Chinese ships in the area.
The move comes after Trump sent aircraft and personnel to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Intervention in Greenland would carry greater risks of escalation, given Denmark's NATO membership which carries the promise of mutual self-defense under Article 5.
In response to Trump's threat, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul indicated that European allies would be prepared to step in if necessary. Denmark is a member of NATO, and its territory will likely fall under the alliance's defense umbrella.