Trump Intensifies Greenland Claims Amid Venezuela Turmoil

President Donald Trump has escalated his pursuit of US control over Greenland, igniting tensions with Denmark and raising alarms about the stability of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). This development coincides with a surge of unrest in Venezuela, where gunfire erupted following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by US forces.

The situation has prompted Mette Frederiksen, Denmark’s Prime Minister, to deliver a stark warning: any US military action against a NATO ally would jeopardize the alliance’s very existence. This dual crisis, unfolding in early March 2026, highlights the fragility of international relations under Trump’s assertive foreign policy.

Trump’s renewed calls for the US to acquire Greenland stem from concerns over Russian and Chinese activities in the Arctic. During remarks aboard Air Force One, he criticized Denmark’s defenses, stating, “We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it.” His comments have provoked a fierce response from Danish leadership.

Frederiksen articulated Denmark’s position emphatically, asserting that a US takeover of Greenland would lead to the dissolution of NATO. “If the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops,” she declared in an interview with TV2. Jens Frederik Nielsen, Greenland’s Prime Minister, dismissed the notion as a “fantasy,” insisting on the importance of adhering to international law and fostering cooperation.

The dispute is deeply rooted in historical agreements, including a 1951 defense pact that allows US operations at the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland for missile defense and space surveillance. Although recent agreements under previous US administrations have expanded military access, critics argue these arrangements infringe on Danish sovereignty.

In Venezuela, tensions escalated on March 6, 2026, when reports of gunfire near the Miraflores presidential palace emerged. This incident, linked to a drone sighting, was described by officials as a “misunderstanding” among rival security factions. It occurred during the swearing-in of Delcy Rodriguez as interim president by parliament.

The unrest followed a US Delta Force operation that resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their residence. Appearing in a New York court, Maduro pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges, claiming he was a “kidnapped president” and a “prisoner of war.” In response to the operation, Trump stated, “No, we’re not. We’re at war with people who sell drugs,” distancing the US from a broader conflict.

Trump invoked the Monroe Doctrine, rebranding it as the “Donroe Doctrine” to reinforce US dominance in the Western Hemisphere. This rhetoric raises concerns among foreign policy experts, who view Trump’s comments regarding Greenland as a dangerous extension of his approach in Venezuela.

A CNN analysis noted that the Maduro raid has drawn Greenland into the international spotlight, prompting European nations to unite in support of Denmark. Frederiksen emphasized the unwavering solidarity from European allies, warning that the security ties established after World War II could be at risk.

As tensions mount, Denmark has urged Trump to “stop the threats,” as reported by the BBC. Analysts from Bloomberg contend that Trump’s approach threatens to fragment NATO amid rising competition in the Arctic.

Polling conducted by Reuters and Ipsos indicates a divided US public opinion, with approximately one-third supporting the Venezuela operation, while stronger backing for interim US control is evident among Republicans. Former National Security Adviser John Bolton criticized the sidelining of opposition leader María Corina Machado, calling it a “major mistake.”

As of March 7, 2026, Denmark remains in “crisis mode,” according to a CNBC report, with Trump hinting at potential action within “about two months.” Speculation on social media suggests broader targets could include Colombia and Cuba, as Trump has pledged to rebuild Venezuela’s infrastructure within an 18-month timeline and promised oil firms reimbursement through revenue.

A classified CIA report is reportedly exploring post-Maduro scenarios, amid widespread international condemnation of the raid from notable figures, including Roger Waters. Analysts at the Atlantic Council perceive a “Trump Corollary” linking Greenland and Venezuela, signaling an assertive US foreign policy agenda.

Furthermore, reports suggest Trump’s potential target list may include Iran and Mexico, raising alarms regarding neo-imperialism. As detailed by Time Magazine, these actions appear to bolster his administration following the capture of Maduro. The intersection of Arctic ambitions and intervention in Latin America poses significant challenges to established international norms.

With the future of NATO uncertain and the situation in Caracas remaining volatile, the global community is closely monitoring President Trump’s next moves.