In a secret briefing to Congress that exceeded two hours, Democrats and Republicans were informed about the Trump administration's strategic moves in Venezuela and beyond. Republicans appeared reassuring, insisting that the actions do not constitute an act of war, while Democrats expressed serious concerns about the long-term implications. Particular tension was sparked when the president hinted that Greenland might find itself at the center of American strategy, fueling fears of a potential territorial seizure.
Division
As Axios reveals regarding the Congressional meeting, the two parties are deeply divided over the legal and constitutional justifications for the operation in Venezuela. On one hand, Republicans insisted that the operation does not constitute an act of war.
"We have no US troops in Venezuela and we are not occupying this country," stated House Speaker Mike Johnson. On the other hand, Democrats argue that Trump has started a war with serious and possibly extensive consequences. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said that "we received no assurances that we would not attempt the same in other countries."
Fears of Greenland seizure
At the same time, fears are intensifying among Democrats that US President Donald Trump may be aiming for a territorial seizure of places like Greenland, after he said this week: "We need Greenland from a national security standpoint." Representative Ruben Gallego filed an amendment to the annual defense spending bill to prohibit the use of funds for military action or other hostilities against Greenland.
Alarm in Europe
In any case, the abduction and arrest of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela has sounded an alarm in Europe, as it proves that Donald Trump is willing to ignore international law when he believes American interests are at stake, a fact that is paralyzing European reactions.
Despite the rhetorical support for Denmark, few are willing to open a front against Washington, fearing that a conflict with the US could have incalculable consequences for Ukraine, European security, and the very future of NATO. "It is a delicate balance," a senior European official told the Financial Times. "Solidarity with Denmark is absolutely clear to everyone. But there is also Venezuela, where no one is sorry to see Maduro go, yet there are legal issues. And we want to keep the US on our side for a decent outcome in Ukraine."
A second EU official stated: "We know who our allies are no longer. We just still hope we are wrong and that the problem will go away," referring to Trump's contempt for the decades-long transatlantic alliance and the need for Europe to reduce its dependence on Washington. "We know what needs to be done; we just finally have to do it."
No one opens a front with Trump
Support for Denmark and Greenland came fastest from their Nordic and Baltic neighbors, with countries like France, Germany, and the United Kingdom following. However, few explicitly denounced the US, and no one mentioned Trump by name, despite the fact that the American president stated again "we need Greenland" just hours after Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen asked him to stop issuing threats regarding the massive Arctic island. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated:
"Only Denmark and Greenland have the right to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland." UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that he would "stand" by Frederiksen against Trump's threat of annexing Greenland, as he faced pressure from both political opponents and MPs from his own party to stand up to the White House. "Denmark is a close European ally, a close NATO ally, and the future must belong to Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark, and to them alone," Starmer told Sky News.
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