G
reenland after Venezuela? The day after the United States abducted Nicolas Maduro, in violation of the basic principles that should govern relations between nations, Donald Trump reviewed, on January 4 aboard Air Force One, the other potential targets of the new American imperialism. Once again, the list included the vast island of Greenland, which is legally a Danish autonomous territory, provoking renewed consternation in Europe.
The US president had already floated the idea of purchasing Greenland in 2019, during his first term. Trump compared the idea to "a large real estate deal," which he claimed would be highly advantageous for Copenhagen. He backed down in the face of public outcry and canceled a planned visit to Denmark. More than six years later, the question is no longer a proposal to buy but a plan for taking control by force.
Such a threat is unacceptable. On January 4, Trump included the territory in a list that featured historic US adversaries Cuba and Iran, as well as the president of Colombia, whom he constantly insults and threatens. The approximation is both shameful and outrageous. Denmark has, in fact, always been among Washington's most reliable allies.
Long read (Feb. 2025)
