Washington: US President Donald Trump ignited a major international political firestorm on Tuesday by posting an edited image on his Truth Social platform that appears to depict Canada, Greenland, and Venezuela as US territory - a move that critics are calling geopolitical provocation and territorial fantasy.
In the image, Trump is seen seated in the Oval Office alongside key NATO and European leaders - including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen - with a US flag superimposed over a map showing expanded US borders.
The visual also includes another edited shot of Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio ostensibly planting the American flag in Greenland next to a sign reading "Greenland US Territory Est. 2026."
Trump: 'No Going Back' on Expansionist Ambitions
Trump's post wasn't just a Photoshop stunt - he doubled down on his controversial claims about territorial expansion. Hours later, he reiterated on social media and in conversations with allies that the United States should lay claim to Greenland for what he described as critical national and global security interests. Trump said that a conversation with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte about Greenland was "very good" and plans to raise the issue further at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Canada Statehood and Venezuela Occupation?
The Truth Social post also referenced Trump's past suggestion that Canada become the 51st US state, a proposal vigorously rejected by Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, who said it confused "wants with reality."
The post went even further by implying US control over Venezuela, following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, with Trump declaring the US would govern Venezuela "until we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition."
Military Movements Raise Tensions
The map controversy comes as the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) announced that aircraft will soon arrive at the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland to support long-planned activities - a deployment officials stress has been coordinated with Denmark and Greenlandic authorities.
While NORAD characterizes the move as routine, its timing amplifies international concerns because it follows Trump's aggressive push to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Global Backlash and Rising Rift
Trump's imagery and rhetoric have triggered sharp backlash worldwide - from protests in Denmark and Greenland demanding sovereignty protections, to warnings from European capitals that respect for international borders and law is non-negotiable.
Transatlantic relations are strained, with analysts saying the saga could reshape NATO dynamics and Arctic strategy.