Donald Trump shared altered images suggesting Canada, Greenland and Venezuela as part of the US, triggering fresh debate over sovereignty, security and Washington’s foreign policy stance.
An illustration shared on Truth Social depicts Donald Trump holding the American flag beside a sign reading “Greenland US Territory Est 2026”. | https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump
US President Donald Trump has shared a series of posts on his Truth Social platform that show altered images suggesting Canada, Greenland and Venezuela as part of the United States.
One post features an old photograph of Trump seated in the Oval Office with several European leaders. The US flag behind them appears modified to include Canada, Greenland and Venezuela within US territory.
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The leaders visible in the image include Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
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In another post, Trump is shown alongside Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, hoisting a US flag in Greenland. A milestone in the image reads: “Greenland US Territory Est 2026.”
The posts come amid renewed statements from Trump on the US’ involvement in Venezuela. Shortly after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Trump said the United States would remain in the South American country “until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition”.
The position was later reinforced by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on January 8. She said, “The Trump Administration is in close correspondence with the interim authorities in Venezuela. We obviously have maximum leverage over the interim authorities in Venezuela right now… Their decisions are going to continue to be dictated by the United States”.
Trump has also repeatedly spoken about Greenland’s strategic value. On Tuesday, he held a phone conversation with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and said he would meet multiple parties in Davos. He again described Greenland as critical to both American and global security.
Trump’s comments revive earlier tensions with Canada. Last year, he suggested the country should become the 51st US state. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected the idea during his first press conference in May, saying, “It’s important to distinguish wants from reality.” He said Canada would never be part of the US and pointed to his election victory as evidence of public support for independence.
The posts also come as the US prepares to deploy a North American Aerospace Defence Command aircraft to the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland. NORAD said the move supports long-planned activities and is being carried out in coordination with Denmark and Greenland.
Trump has earlier threatened tariffs on Denmark and other European nations, including the UK, if they refuse to sell Greenland. He has linked the proposal to national security concerns, citing Chinese and Russian interest in the territory.
He has also warned of tariff hikes, i.e. 10 per cent from February 1, 2026, and 25 per cent from June 1, 2026, if negotiations fail, saying it was “time for Denmark to give back” after years of US support.
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