Donald Trump defends Venezuela operation as concerns mount over Greenland | World | News
Donald Trump and his administration defended a military operation on Monday that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from power. The White House’s simultaneous focus on Greenland has further strained international relations, with European allies responding sharply to suggestions that the US might seek to take control of the Danish territory.
In a closed-door briefing on Capitol Hill, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and senior officials addressed congressional leaders regarding the operation that took place over the weekend. US forces conducted a strike in Caracas on Saturday, taking Maduro and his wife into custody. Following their transport to New York, Maduro pleaded not guilty to narco-terrorism charges in federal court on Monday.
Republican leadership has supported the administration’s strategy. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the action was a targeted strike against drug trafficking, rather than broader regime change. Mr Johnson indicated that a long-term troop presence is not expected and suggested that the control of Venezuelan oil exports would encourage the interim Government—currently led by former Vice President Delcy Rodríguez—to implement reforms.
Conversely, Congressional Democrats expressed scepticism regarding the long-term implications. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer cautioned that the intervention could lead to extended military involvement, while members of both parties criticised the administration for a lack of prior consultation. A war powers resolution intended to limit further unauthorised military action is scheduled for a Senate vote this week.
The political future of Venezuela remains unsettled. President Trump has distanced the US from Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, questioning her ability to govern, despite some Republican lawmakers suggesting she remains the primary candidate for a democratic transition.
The geopolitical tension extends to the North Atlantic. President Trump recently suggested that Denmark’s security measures in Greenland are insufficient and indicated a 20-day window for potential US action regarding the territory’s administration. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded by stating that any unilateral US military move against the semi-autonomous territory would fundamentally compromise NATO.
Sir Keir joined the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark to affirm Greenland’s sovereignty, asserting that the territory belongs to its people. The Prime Minister has emphasised the importance of international law – while avoiding a direct confrontation with Washington during a period of high reliance on US support for Ukraine.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting supported the PM’s approach, arguing that the Government was choosing its words carefully to manage current tensions. By contrast, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the Venezuela intervention «morally» justified while criticising the rhetoric regarding Greenland, reminding the administration that Denmark is a sovereign ally.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that the raid in Caracas raised serious questions regarding international law and warned of the precedents such actions might set for global stability.
As US naval assets remain positioned off the Venezuelan coast and the White House encourages American energy firms to resume operations there, international observers remain focused on Washington. With the administration also signalling a more assertive posture toward Cuba and Colombia, allies are currently reassessing the trajectory of US foreign policy.
