Why fears are rising
Concern is growing in Greenland after Donald Trump’s US operation in Venezuela.
People are asking what could happen if he tried to take Greenland.
What happened in Venezuela
Trump said that in the early hours of Saturday morning, January 3, US forces captured President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.
He said they were taken aboard the USS Iwo Jima helicopter.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi said both were indicted in the Southern District of New York.
She wrote on X: “They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.”
Trump also said the US will “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition.”
He added: “We’re going to be running it with a group, and we’re going to make sure it’s run properly.”
Why Trump wants Greenland
Trump, 79, first showed interest in March 2025 after sending Vice President JD Vance to inspect a naval base there.
He has repeated his “need” for Greenland, including after the Venezuela raid.
On Air Force One, he said: “We need Greenland for a national security situation.”
He added: “It’s so strategic. Right now, Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place.”
A day earlier, he said: “We do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defence.”
What Denmark and allies said
Greenland belongs to Denmark, a NATO and European Union member.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said: “It makes absolutely no sense to talk about the US needing to take over Greenland.”
She added: “The US has no right to annex any of the three countries in the Danish Kingdom.”
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said: “Only Denmark and Greenland have the right to decide about their territories.”
What a takeover could trigger
A US military move would mean attacking a NATO ally, Frederiksen said.
She said NATO treats an attack on one member as an attack on all.
NATO decisions need all members to agree, and the US is a member.
Trump can send troops first, without Congress, but must notify Congress within 48 hours.
If Congress does not approve, the operation ends after about 90 days.
Denmark could turn to the United Nations, arguing the US broke international law.