"Greenland as 'U.S. Territory from 2026'... Trump Posts Photoshopped Image with American Flag"

Photoshopped Images Also Suggest Incorporation of Canada and Venezuela

On January 20 (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump sparked controversy by posting a series of photoshopped images on the social media platform Truth Social in the early morning. The images implied the annexation of Greenland by the United States by 2026, and further hinted at the incorporation of Canada and Venezuela.

In one of the images, which appears to have been generated by artificial intelligence (AI), Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are seen standing together, holding a sign that reads, "Greenland - U.S. territory from 2026."

Image of the 'Greenland and Canada Flags' posted by President Trump on social media. Screenshot from Trump Truth Social

Another image depicts a meeting in the Oval Office with European leaders. On a board placed beside them, a map shows the U.S. mainland, Canada, Greenland, and all of Venezuela covered with the American flag. President Trump is seated at his desk, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and French President Emmanuel Macron are seated facing him. This image appears to be a modified version of a photo taken in the Oval Office during a summit with European leaders who visited the U.S. in August of last year.

Photo posted by President Trump on Truth Social on the 20th (local time). Photo by Yonhap News Agency

President Trump did not provide any separate explanation or comment regarding these photoshopped images. Some observers have pointed out that President Trump may have been symbolically expressing his vision for territorial expansion.

Previously, President Trump had stated at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, that he would discuss the issue of the United States acquiring Greenland. On the 19th (local time) in Florida, he told reporters, "We should have Greenland. Denmark needs to resolve this issue," adding, "They cannot protect Greenland. The Danish people are wonderful, but..."

This week at the Davos Forum, President Trump also said, "We will discuss the issue of the United States acquiring Greenland." President Trump is scheduled to deliver a speech at the Davos Forum on January 21.