Trump’s ‘Greenland as U.S. Territory’ Posts Stir Global Debate

AI-style images and statements fuel controversy amid Arctic tensions

January 20, 2026: U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn widespread international attention and stirred debate with a series of posts on his Truth Social platform depicting Greenland in striking territorial terms. In one widely shared image, Trump appears with Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio planting a U.S. flag in Greenland with a sign reading “GREENLAND — U.S. Territory Est. 2026,” underscoring his long-standing push for American control of the Arctic territory. In another, he shared an altered photograph of a White House meeting featuring European leaders alongside a U.S. flag map that included Canada, Greenland and Venezuela under American colours.

Trump’s posts come amid renewed geopolitical tensions over Greenland’s status, with NATO and European allies firmly rejecting any attempt to undermine Danish sovereignty. Officials from Denmark and Greenland have stressed that the Arctic island is not for sale and that its future must be decided by its own people and government, reiterating that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark with defence obligations under NATO. Protests and diplomatic pushback have erupted in both Denmark and Greenland, with demonstrators and leaders emphasising autonomy and opposing U.S. acquisition efforts.

The controversy has expanded beyond imagery. Trump has tied his territorial rhetoric to national security claims, arguing control of Greenland is essential to counter perceived influence from Russia and China, while also threatening tariffs on Denmark and European nations unless negotiations over the territory progress. These moves have prompted emergency discussions among EU allies and heightened geopolitical strain, even as Trump reportedly plans to raise the issue at forums such as the World Economic Forum in Davos.