European leaders have issued a firm rebuke to Donald Trump, vowing to protect Greenland's sovereignty after the former US president reiterated threats to annex the semi-autonomous Danish territory. The stark warning came as Trump addressed a gathering of House Republicans on Tuesday, 6 January 2026.
European Leaders Draw a Line in the Ice
In response to Trump's persistent claims that controlling Greenland is vital for American national security, European officials have united in their opposition. They have insisted they will "not stop defending" the island's territorial integrity. This stance directly challenges the assertion from one of Trump's senior aides, who suggested no nation would mount a military defence of Greenland against the United States.
The Shadow of Venezuela's Capture
The renewed focus on Greenland follows a dramatic escalation of US military intervention in South America. The American military recently conducted strikes in Venezuela, leading to the capture of that country's president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife. They were transported to New York City to face trial on narco-terrorism charges.
Speaking after the raid on Caracas, Trump indicated that Venezuela might not be the final target for such intervention. He issued a direct warning to Colombian president Gustavo Petro – a prominent international critic – suggesting his country could be next in line for US military action.
A Test for Transatlantic Relations
The combination of events presents a significant challenge to diplomatic norms. Trump's open speculation about annexing a peaceful allied territory, coupled with the extraordinary military capture of a foreign head of state, marks a volatile shift in American foreign policy posture. European leaders now face the complex task of navigating this new reality while upholding their principles on sovereignty and international law.
The situation leaves critical questions unanswered about the future of Arctic security and the stability of the Western Hemisphere, as the world watches the next moves from Washington and the steadfast response from European capitals.
