Fears in Greenland of US takeover after Venezuela operation

The attack on Venezuela and the capture of the country's president has sparked fears that the US plans to take over Greenland, a territory which President Trump has repeatedly said is vital to America's security interests. 

Hours after Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro was taken into custody on drug trafficking charges, Katie Miller, the wife of Trump's Deputy Chief of Staff, Steven Miller, shared a controversial post seemingly calling for the US to take the Arctic island over.

Miller, a conservative podcaster, posted a map of the Danish territory covered by the American flag and simply wrote 'SOON.' 

The MAGA ally's threat immediately drew outrage among Greenlanders and Danes who stood up to protect their home, which is known for its untapped mineral wealth and is part of NATO. 

Jesper Moller Sorensen, Denmark's ambassador to the US, reposted Miller's incitement and shared a 'friendly reminder' of the established defense ties between the two countries. 

'Just a friendly reminder about the US and the Kingdom of Denmark: We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security,' Sorensen wrote. 

'Greenland is already part of NATO. The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic. 

'The Kingdom of Denmark has significantly boosted its Arctic security efforts - in 2025 alone, we committed USD 13.7 bn that can be used in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Because we take our joint security seriously.' 

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The ambassador added: 'And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.'  

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen echoed Sorensen and revealed the country is ramping up its military force amid Trump's threat to take over Greenland. 

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During her annual New Year's speech, Frederiksen blasted Trump's ongoing threats, insisting that Denmark will 'stand firm on what is right and wrong.'

'In this past year, we have had to pay attention to a lot. Threats. Pressure. Derogatory language. From our closest ally for a lifetime,' Frederiksen said, according to Danish daily newspaper Berlingske.

'Wanting to take over another country, other people. As if it were something you could buy and own,' she added. 'It doesn't belong anywhere.'

Frederiksen said in the televised speech that Denmark is quickly ramping up its military force and reinforcing stronger security in the Arctic amid the president's escalating pressure.

'My speech tonight has not been about foreign policy. It could well have been that. You know where I - where the government stands,' the prime minister said.

'We are in full swing strengthening Danish defense and preparedness,' she added. 'Never before have we increased our military strength so significantly. So quickly.'

'We are not the ones seeking conflict. But let no one be in any doubt: No matter what happens, we will stand firm on what is right and wrong.'

The prime minister reiterated that the country is working to strengthen security in the Arctic, and described the kingdom as vast in territory but small in population.

'We are taking on our responsibilities in the world. If we let one country fall first, then the way is paved for Russia to advance further into Europe,' she said, according to the Danish outlet.

Talks of Greenland possibly being next in line for a US takeover come after Saturday's dramatic capture of Maduro and Flores, as well as the US strike in Caracas, Venezuela's capital. 

Around 40 civilians and military personnel died in the strike, an official told the New York Times. 

No US casualties have been reported, but there was an undisclosed number of injuries among US troops, all of whom are reportedly in stable condition.   

Maduro, 63, and his wife, 69, were taken into custody amid accusations from Trump that Venezuela has been flooding the US with drugs and gang members. 

They landed by helicopter in Manhattan on Saturday evening, after earlier making stops at airfields in upstate New York and Puerto Rico.

Maduro will reportedly be held there as he awaits trial. His initial hearing could begin in the next 36 hours. 

During a press conference, just hours after the couple were snatched, Trump declared the US will run the South American country indefinitely. 

Jeff Landry, the governor of Louisiana and special envoy to Greenland, applauded the commander-in-chief for capturing Maduro with such force. 

'Having served as a sheriff’s deputy and AG, I have seen the devastating effects of illegal drugs on American families,' Landry wrote on X.  

'With over 100k opioid-related deaths annually, I am grateful to see a President finally take real action in the war on drugs. Thank you @realDonaldTrump for holding individuals like Maduro accountable,' he added. 

Landry was appointed to the role, with Trump declaring the goal of 'making Greenland part of the US,' which he has targeted for years because of its strategic position in the Arctic.

The president doubled down, calling Greenland vital to 'national protection' and claiming that the US had explored the island three centuries ago. 

According to a poll by Verian, conducted in January 2025, a significant majority of Greenlanders do not want to become part of the United States. 

Of its small population of around 57,000 residents, 85 percent said they don't want to join America. Six percent said they would, and nine percent said they were unsure, according to the data. 

The territory has had the right to declare independence since 2009, but has not done so because it relies heavily on financial aid and public service from Denmark.