In a stark warning, columnist Brian Reade has declared that the world must unite to confront the "out-of-control" behaviour of US President Donald Trump, whose apparent obsession with acquiring foreign territory is escalating dangerously.
The Growing Threat of Territorial Expansion
Reade, writing on 10 January 2026, points to Trump's renewed interest in purchasing Greenland as a symptom of a broader and more alarming pattern. He questions whether this move is a distraction from other controversies, such as the alleged illegal coup in Venezuela or the ongoing Epstein files scandal, or a sign of a deeper ambition to seize more foreign land than any previous US president.
The columnist draws a chilling parallel, suggesting that Trump's combined actions towards Venezuela, Cuba, Colombia, Mexico, and Canada, alongside Greenland, echo the expansionist "Lebensraum" justifications used by Hitler in the 1930s. While Trump frames his policy as an updated Monroe Doctrine—dubbed the "Donroe Doctrine"—Reade reframes it as the "Don Corleone Doctrine," portraying America under Trump as a mafia-style superpower.
European Complicity and Historical Hypocrisy
Reade acknowledges the uncomfortable historical context for European nations. He notes that 141 years ago, at the Berlin Conference, European powers carved up Africa without consent, leading to resource theft and lasting conflict. However, he argues that this history does not excuse current inaction.
He sharply criticises European leaders for actively encouraging Trump's behaviour through excessive flattery. He cites examples including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte calling Trump "daddy" and Keir Starmer facilitating a letter from the King offering a second state visit. This, Reade asserts, has only emboldened the "demon" in Trump.
A Call for Concrete Action and Retaliation
The columnist insists the time for appeasement is over. He urges Europe to "get off their knees" and draw a line in the Greenland snow. With a combined population of 520 million wealthy consumers, the UK and EU represent America's most vital export market. This economic power, Reade argues, must be wielded as a deterrent.
He proposes a clear ultimatum: any attempt to seize Greenland by force should trigger a continent-wide blockade on American trade, a ban on American tourists, and boycotts of the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, alongside closer diplomatic ties with China. When Trump inevitably retaliates on social media, European leaders must "hit back in the language he understands."
Reade concludes by suggesting a direct quote from The Godfather Part II, delivered to the entire Trump team: a scathing rebuke from Senator Patrick Geary to Michael Corleone, telling Trump and his allies they are not decent Americans and that their "masquerade" is despised. The final message, Reade states, should be clear: It's nothing personal. Just business.
