Trump has stirred fresh controversy with European allies after sharing an image on Truth Social showing Canada and Greenland coloured in US flag hues, reviving tensions over his push to acquire the Arctic island.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday escalated tensions with key European allies by sharing an image on his official Truth Social account showing Canada and Greenland coloured in the red, white and blue of the American flag.
The post, which carried no caption, depicted a map of North America in US colours and appeared amid Trump’s renewed push to acquire Greenland, a territory he has repeatedly described as vital to both American and global security.
‘We have to have it’: Trump questions Denmark’s role
“We have to have it. They have to have this done. They can’t protect it, Denmark, they’re wonderful people,” Trump told reporters in Florida.
“I know the leaders, they’re very good people, but they don’t even go there,” he added, before saying: “I don’t think they’re going to push back too much.”
Greenland shown as ‘US territory’ in separate post
Trump later shared another image on Truth Social depicting Greenland as part of “US territory”. The image shows Trump alongside JD Vance and Marco Rubio planting a US flag on the Arctic island.
The inclusion of Canada alongside Greenland in the earlier imagery drew particular attention, as Trump has made no formal policy announcement regarding Canada.
Allies alarmed by symbolism
The symbolism of visually folding both territories into US colours has fuelled concern among allies over Washington’s increasingly confrontational posture, particularly as Trump continues to frame Greenland as a strategic necessity.
Trump shares alleged private Macron message
Adding to the row, Trump also shared what he described as a private text message from French President Emmanuel Macron, in which the French leader appeared to question Trump’s focus on Greenland.
“My friend, we are totally in line on Syria. We can do great things in Iran. I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland,” the message read.
While Macron’s office has not issued an official statement, a source close to the French president told AFP that the message shared by Trump was authentic.
Greenland issue to be raised at Davos
The public disclosure of the private exchange comes as Trump prepares to raise the Greenland issue at the Davos Economic Forum. He has argued that Denmark is unable to secure the island and that the United States must act decisively.
Europe rejects US takeover rhetoric
France, along with several other European countries, has firmly rejected US statements suggesting a takeover of Greenland.
Paris has also taken part in NATO-led military exercises in the region, signalling preparedness amid growing concerns over Arctic security and intensifying geopolitical competition involving Russia and China.
Online backlash over territorial imagery
The Truth Social posts triggered sharp reactions online, with many users interpreting the depiction of Canada and Greenland in US flag colours as more than symbolic.
Posts on X, Reddit and other platforms suggested the visuals could be read as signalling territorial intent, particularly when viewed alongside Trump’s repeated assertions that Greenland is “imperative” for US security and that there can be “no going back”.
Others warned that such imagery risks normalising the idea of territorial expansion among Trump’s supporters, even in the absence of any formal announcement of military or diplomatic action.
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