US claims Greenland, threatens Cuba and Colombia
What you should know
President Donald Trump has signaled another goal of his foreign policy, a day after the US military operation to oust Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. Speaking to reporters, Trump reiterated his call for US control of Denmark-ruled Greenland and also warned Colombia and Cuba.
US claims to Greenland
On his way back to Washington from Florida, Trump said Greenland is strategically important to US national security. 'There is an increase in Russian and Chinese ships in Greenland now,' he said, 'From a security perspective, we need Greenland, which Denmark cannot provide alone.'
Earlier, When asked by 'The Atlantic' what does Venezuela's military action mean for Greenland?' Trump gave a roundabout answer, saying, 'That's something they have to figure out for themselves.'
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen objected to Trump's statement. She clarified that Greenland is 'not for sale' and urged Trump to stop threatening a sovereign country and a historic ally.
Danish officials are also angry about a map posted on social media by a former Trump administration official, which showed Greenland in the colors of the American flag with the words 'gold' (coming soon).
According to the international media outlet Associated Press, Trump aims to restore American dominance in the Western Hemisphere in his 'national security strategy'.
Warning to Cuba and Colombia
The Trump administration has also been very aggressive towards Cuba, which is considered a close ally of former Venezuelan President Maduro. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has accused Cuban bodyguards of protecting Maduro and running Venezuela's internal espionage apparatus. On Sunday, the Cuban government confirmed that 32 of its officials were killed in a US military operation.
Similarly, Trump has also targeted the leftist President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro. Calling Colombia the “cocaine factory of the world,” Trump said, “He (Petro) won’t be able to do this for much longer.” Asked about the possibility of military action against Colombia, Trump said, “That sounds reasonable.”
The Trump administration has already imposed sanctions on Petro and his family for drug trafficking and cut aid to Colombia.
Trump’s latest comments suggest that the United States may take more aggressive military and political steps to expand its influence in the Western Hemisphere.
