Trump Shares AI-Generated Map Showing Canada, Greenland, Venezuela as US Territory

US President Donald Trump has once again triggered global controversy after sharing an AI-generated map depicting Canada, Greenland, and Venezuela as part of United States territory. The altered image was posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform on Tuesday and immediately sparked backlash amid already heightened diplomatic tensions between Washington and multiple global powers.

The AI-generated visual shows Trump seated in the Oval Office during what appears to be a meeting with Nato leaders. Behind him, a large digital map prominently displays an expanded United States, absorbing neighbouring Canada to the north, Greenland in the Arctic, and Venezuela in South America. Several prominent global leaders appear in the image, including Emmanuel Macron, Giorgia Meloni, Keir Starmer, and Ursula von der Leyen.

In a second post, Trump escalated the messaging further by sharing another AI-generated image showing himself alongside Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio planting an American flag on a landmass labelled, “Greenland, US Territory, Est. 2026.”

Greenland at the Centre of a Growing Dispute

The posts arrive amid Trump’s renewed and increasingly aggressive push to bring Greenland under US control. Trump has repeatedly argued that the Arctic island is critical to American national security, citing its strategic location, rare earth resources, and proximity to Russia and China.

Both Greenland’s local government and Denmark have categorically rejected Trump’s claims, reiterating that Greenland is not for sale and that Danish sovereignty over the territory is non-negotiable. European leaders have expressed growing concern over Trump’s rhetoric, which has occasionally included references to potential military action.

Denmark’s Defence Ministry has reaffirmed a Cold War-era directive stating that Danish forces must immediately respond to any foreign invasion attempt on its territory, including Greenland, without waiting for further orders.

Military and Trade Tensions Intensify

The map controversy coincides with increased military activity in the Arctic. The NORAD confirmed the deployment of US aircraft to Greenland’s Pituffik Space Base as part of pre-planned operations. Officials stressed that the move was coordinated with Denmark and Greenlandic authorities.

Trump’s post also follows his announcement of a 10 per cent tariff, effective February 1, on several European countries that publicly supported Denmark’s position on Greenland. The move has further strained transatlantic relations at a time when Nato unity is already under pressure.

Canada and Venezuela Also Dragged In

The inclusion of Canada in the altered map has revived earlier tensions. Trump has previously suggested that Canada could become the 51st US state, a proposal firmly rejected by Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney.

More alarmingly, the map also portrays Venezuela as US territory. Earlier this month, the US launched a major military operation in Venezuela, during which President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were taken into US custody on charges related to narco-terrorism.

Trump later declared that the US would temporarily “run Venezuela” during a transition period and even shared an image of his Wikipedia page describing him as the “Acting President of Venezuela.”

Global Reaction and Concerns

While Trump has not officially clarified whether the images were satire, symbolism, or policy signalling, analysts warn that such posts risk escalating geopolitical instability. The blending of artificial intelligence, territorial claims, and presidential messaging has raised concerns about misinformation, diplomatic norms, and the weaponisation of visuals in global politics.

As global reactions continue to pour in, Trump’s AI-generated map has added another volatile chapter to an already turbulent international landscape.