Trump Signals Strategic Focus on Greenland, Warns of Russian and Chinese Presence After Venezuela Action

Washington, DC | January 5,2026 Following recent US military action in Venezuela, former US President Donald Trump has made strong remarks indicating a broader strategic posture by Washington, including renewed focus on Greenland, citing concerns over national security and growing Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic region. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump reiterated his long-held view that the United States needs Greenland for strategic reasons. “We need Greenland, badly,” Trump said, describing the Arctic island as being of “tremendous strategic importance” for US national security. He claimed that Greenland is currently surrounded by Russian and Chinese ships, underlining what he called an urgent security concern for the Western Hemisphere. Trump’s comments come in the backdrop of US military action in Venezuela, after which he openly warned several countries in South America. Referring to Greenland, he stressed that increasing activity by Russia and China in the Arctic region has made the island more critical than ever, especially as melting ice opens new shipping routes and potential military advantages. “The Arctic is changing rapidly,” Trump said, adding that the United States must act to prevent rival powers from expanding their influence. He repeated his argument that the US has a responsibility to protect the Western Hemisphere from hostile forces. Trump also recalled that during his previous term, he believed the US would eventually gain control of Greenland. He claimed that the island’s 57,000 residents would prefer closer ties with the United States. Trump had first floated the idea of purchasing Greenland in 2019, describing American control as essential for global security. Greenland occupies a key position between North America and Europe and already hosts a US Air Force base, making it strategically significant. Meanwhile, Trump’s remarks on Venezuela sparked reactions across the region. After he compared Cuba to Venezuela, calling it a “failed state” and saying the US wanted to help the Cuban people, a pro-Venezuela rally was held in Cuba. Participants condemned the American military campaign and warned that the entire region now faces serious risk. Trump also issued a warning toward Cuba, stating that its communist government is under severe strain. He hinted that after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Cuba could be the next country to face mounting pressure from Washington. Trump’s latest statements suggest that the US action in Venezuela may not be an isolated move, but part of a broader strategy aimed at countering rival global powers and reshaping geopolitical dynamics across multiple regions. Trump Reasserts Need for Greenland, Warns of Russia–China Presence After Venezuela Action After recent US military action in Venezuela, former US President Donald Trump has once again highlighted Greenland’s strategic importance, saying the island is vital for America’s national security amid increasing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the United States has a “strong need” for Greenland due to its strategic location. He claimed the Arctic island is surrounded by Russian and Chinese ships, stressing that Washington must remain alert as melting ice opens new shipping routes and potential military corridors. According to Trump, these changes have significantly increased the island’s geopolitical value. Trump’s remarks come at a time of heightened global tension following US military operations in Venezuela. He suggested that the action against Venezuela may not be an isolated move, signalling a tougher stance by Washington in South America. Earlier, Trump compared Cuba to Venezuela, calling it a “failed nation” while stating that the United States wants to help the Cuban people. His comments sparked a pro-Venezuela rally in Cuba, where demonstrators condemned the US military campaign and warned that American intervention could place the entire region at serious risk. Protesters accused Washington of destabilising Latin America through aggressive foreign policies. Reiterating his long-held position, Trump said Russia and China’s expanding footprint in the Arctic makes Greenland increasingly critical for the US. He argued that Washington has a responsibility to protect the Western Hemisphere from rival powers and prevent strategic encirclement. The former president also recalled that he first floated the idea of acquiring Greenland in 2019, claiming at the time that the island’s 57,000 residents would favour closer ties with the United States. He had described American control over Greenland as essential for long-term global security. Greenland’s location between North America and Europe, along with the presence of a US Air Force base, makes it a key strategic asset. Analysts say Trump’s renewed focus on the Arctic reflects growing concerns over changing global power dynamics and competition in polar regions. Trump also issued a warning to Cuba, saying its communist government is under increasing pressure and could face heightened scrutiny following developments in Venezuela. Overall, Trump’s remarks suggest that US actions in Venezuela may be part of a broader geopolitical strategy, extending from Latin America to the Arctic, aimed at countering rival powers and reshaping international security priorities.