Economist Jeffrey Sachs has predicted that the United States may move to militarily occupy Greenland under the Trump administration, warning that such an action would amount to an “invasion of Europe.” These comments have gained urgent traction following the U.S. military’s massive operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro just days ago.
The Prediction: “An Invasion of Europe”
Sachs argues that the recent U.S. raid in Venezuela signals a return to explicit expansionist policies. He suggests that the administration views Greenland not as a sovereign territory of Denmark, but as a strategic asset ripe for acquisition due to its small population and vast resources.
“I think the U.S. probably will militarily occupy Greenland during his administration,” Sachs stated. “That’s an invasion of Europe.”
He pointed to the demographic disparity as a key factor in the administration’s calculus. “I do think that with the 50,000 people of Greenland, the United States may just decide it’s going to take Greenland and that’s that,” he said. While he predicted such a move would ultimately be a “disaster” and “won’t work for the longer term,” he emphasized that it “could very well happen” as the U.S. seeks to secure the Arctic against Chinese and Russian influence.
Context: Operation Absolute Resolve
The economist’s warning comes in the immediate wake of “Operation Absolute Resolve.” On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces launched a large-scale military operation involving over 150 aircraft to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The operation, justified by the administration on grounds of national security and counternarcotics, demonstrated a willingness to use overwhelming force to achieve geopolitical objectives in the Western Hemisphere.
Sachs views this as a revival of 19th-century American imperialism, comparing it to the historical U.S. acquisitions of overseas territories like the Philippines and Puerto Rico.
Tensions Escalate with Denmark
The post drew an immediate rebuke from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. In a statement issued Sunday, Frederiksen urged President Trump to “stop the threats” against a NATO ally, asserting that the United States has “no right to annex” the semi-autonomous territory.
However, President Trump doubled down on his interest on Sunday, stating, “We do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense,” citing the increasing presence of Russian and Chinese ships in the Arctic region.
Article Sources
- Wall Street Journal: Inside Operation Absolute Resolve
- NBC News: How the US Strike on Venezuela Unfolded
- Reuters: Denmark PM Urges Trump to Stop Threats
- The Atlantic: Trump on Venezuela and Greenland
- ABC News: Denmark PM Urges Trump to Stop Annexation Threats
- CBS News: Katie Miller Posts Image of US Flag Over Greenland
- Fortune: Venezuela Raid, Greenland Minerals, and Arctic Strategy
- Fox News: US Military Details Timeline of Operation to Capture Maduro
