At a Glance
- President Trump renews call for U.S. takeover of Greenland after Venezuela operation
- Secretary Rubio warns Cuban government of its role in Maduro’s protection
- Trump threatens military action against Colombia over drug trade
- Why it matters: U.S. leadership in the Western Hemisphere is expanding, raising tensions with allies and neighbors
In the wake of a U.S. raid on Venezuela, President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a series of provocative statements about Greenland, Cuba, and Colombia, signaling a more assertive U.S. stance in the hemisphere.
Greenland in the Spotlight
President Trump said the island is “so strategic right now” and that “Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place.”
President Trump stated:
> “We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it.”
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen replied that Trump has no right to annex the territory and reminded him that Denmark already grants the U.S. access through NATO agreements.
- Trump also mocked Denmark’s security efforts, saying the Danes had added “one more dog sled” to the Arctic arsenal.
- A former Trump aide posted a map of Greenland in U.S. colors with the caption “SOON.”
- Denmark’s ambassador to Washington responded, “And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
Cuba Under Pressure
Secretary Rubio, on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” said Cuban officials were with Maduro before his capture, noting that “He was not guarded by Venezuelan bodyguards. He had Cuban bodyguards.”
Secretary Rubio added:
> “Cuban bodyguards were also in charge of ‘internal intelligence’ in Maduro’s government, including ‘who spies on who inside, to make sure there are no traitors.”
The Cuban government said on state television that 32 officers were killed in the U.S. military operation.
Trump called the Cuban economy “in tatters” and said it would slide further after Maduro’s ouster.
Colombia in the Crosshairs
Trump, returning to Washington, warned Colombia’s president Gustavo Petro that the country is “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States.”
He said sanctions had already targeted Petro, his family, and a government member over drug-trade accusations, and that Colombia was “not cooperating” in the U.S. drug war.
Trump added, “He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories. He’s not going to be doing it.”
When asked about ordering an operation against Colombia, he replied, “It sounds good to me.”
| Country | Trump’s Statement |
|---|---|
| Greenland | “We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security.” |
| Cuba | “It’s going down.” |
| Colombia | “He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories. He’s not going to be doing it.” |
Key Takeaways
- Trump’s comments signal a push for U.S. control over Greenland and a hard line on neighboring countries.
- Rubio’s remarks highlight Cuba’s involvement in the Venezuelan crisis.
- Trump’s threat toward Colombia underscores the U.S. focus on the drug trade.
Reporting by Aiden V. Crossfield for News Of Austin.
