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Venezuelan Opposition Leader Mario Machado Freed After Detention Amid Protests; Government Denies Involvement

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Venezuelan Opposition Leader Mario Machado Freed After Detention Amid Protests; Government Denies Involvement

Opposition leader María Corina Machado was released on Thursday after a brief detention during a protest in eastern Caracas. Her political party, Vente Venezuela, confirmed the release, accusing security forces of detaining her amidst gunfire as she left the rally. 

The protest was part of nationwide demonstrations aimed at pressuring President Nicolás Maduro ahead of his controversial third-term inauguration on Friday. Machado, making her first public appearance in months, had urged citizens to take to the streets and support opposition leader Edmundo González, whom the opposition claims won last year’s disputed presidential election. 

Detention Sparks Outcry

Machado’s detention drew swift condemnation from opposition leaders and international governments. Former presidential candidate Edmundo González called for her immediate release, while U.S. officials and other leaders denounced the incident. 

During her detention, Machado was allegedly coerced into recording videos, according to a statement from Vente Venezuela. Machado later posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I’m in a safe place now and with more determination than ever,” promising to elaborate on the incident during Friday’s events. 

Government officials, however, denied any involvement. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello dismissed the detention claims as an opposition ploy to garner international support. “They lie to say the government had captured María Corina,” Cabello stated, accusing her of staging the videos herself. 

Both Maduro’s government and the opposition claim victory in last year’s presidential election. However, the electoral council and Venezuela’s high court, both dominated by Maduro loyalists, declared him the winner without releasing detailed vote tallies. 

The opposition, led by González, published their own tallies, claiming he won by a significant margin. International observers, including the U.S.-based Carter Center, supported the opposition’s figures. 

The disputed results have fueled nationwide unrest, with thousands taking to the streets to protest. Security forces have responded with heavy crackdowns, detaining over 2,000 protesters since the election, according to local advocacy groups. 

Opposition Defiance and Government Crackdowns

Machado, 57, has been a vocal critic of Maduro and a prominent advocate for peaceful protests. Before her detention, she urged military and police personnel to acknowledge González’s victory. 

“Let no one be in doubt, what they do tomorrow marks the end of the regime,” Machado declared at the rally. 

Protests on Thursday were met with a swift and forceful response from security forces in various cities, including Caracas, Maracaibo, and Valencia. Tear gas and motorcycle-mounted security personnel dispersed demonstrators in several locations. 

Despite the crackdown, opposition supporters vowed to continue their fight. “I’m not afraid, I lost my fear a long time ago,” said Neglis Payares, a 70-year-old retired central bank worker who joined protests in western Caracas. 

The international community has largely condemned the Maduro administration for suppressing dissent. A White House spokesperson reaffirmed the U.S.’s support for González, calling him the “true winner” of the election. 

Meanwhile, Maduro prepares to be sworn in for a third term on Friday, despite widespread allegations of electoral fraud and human rights abuses. His administration, which enjoys strong backing from the armed forces and intelligence services, has accused the opposition of plotting fascist conspiracies and seeking foreign intervention. 

González, currently in exile in Spain, has pledged to return to Venezuela despite threats of arrest. Machado also faces legal scrutiny, with ongoing investigations by the attorney general, though no public arrest warrant has been issued against her. 

The government’s crackdown on opposition leaders and activists continues, with 16 people detained during Thursday’s protests, according to Foro Penal. 

Venezuelans abroad have also rallied in solidarity, including a protest in Madrid where González’s daughter, Carolina González, addressed demonstrators. “My dad sends a hug to all of you, glory to the brave people of Venezuela,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion. 

Venezuelan Dictator, Nicolás Maduro, to Extend Presidency Until 2031 Amid Election Disputes and Protests

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Venezuelan Dictator, Nicolás Maduro, to Extend Presidency Until 2031 Amid Election Disputes and Protests

Nicolás Maduro is set to extend his presidency until 2031 after being sworn in for a third six-year term on Friday, despite widespread protests and credible allegations that opposition candidate Edmundo González won the disputed election. 

Anti-Maduro demonstrations erupted Thursday in Caracas, with hundreds demanding that González, the opposition candidate, be declared president. Opposition leader María Corina Machado, who has been barred from running for office, briefly appeared at the rally before her convoy was intercepted by security forces. 

Machado’s aides reported she was detained and coerced into recording videos before being released. The government denied her arrest, dismissing the reports as opposition-led misinformation aimed at inciting international condemnation. 

Venezuela’s electoral council, aligned with Maduro’s United Socialist Party, declared him the winner hours after polls closed on July 28 but provided no detailed vote counts. The opposition published tally sheets from over 80% of voting machines, showing González had secured twice as many votes as Maduro. 

The lack of transparency led to international outcry. The U.S.-based Carter Center, invited by the government to observe the election, deemed the opposition’s tallies legitimate. Other election experts also confirmed the integrity of the opposition’s data, but Venezuela’s high court, dominated by Maduro allies, reaffirmed his victory without substantial evidence. 

Neither the electoral council nor Maduro’s ruling party has produced verifiable proof of his victory, intensifying claims of electoral fraud. 

The disputed election has drawn condemnation from leaders worldwide. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump expressed support for González and Machado, urging their safety. 

“These freedom fighters should not be harmed, and MUST stay SAFE and ALIVE!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. 

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a Maduro ally, announced he would not attend Friday’s inauguration, citing the detention of opposition figures earlier this week. 

Protests against Maduro’s presidency have led to a brutal crackdown. Over 2,000 demonstrators have been arrested, and more than 20 have been killed. Reports of torture and coercion have further tarnished the government’s image. 

González, who fled to Spain in September, has vowed to return to Venezuela despite threats of arrest. On Tuesday, González accused the government of orchestrating the kidnapping of his son-in-law, Rafael Tudares, in Caracas. 

“At what point did being related to Edmundo González Urrutia become a crime?” González’s daughter, Mariana González de Tudares, asked in a statement. 

It remains unclear if any foreign leaders will attend Friday’s inauguration. Maduro’s 2019 swearing-in was attended by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and then-Bolivian President Evo Morales. This time, however, the event has drawn global criticism amid allegations of electoral fraud and repression. 

Russia Accuses Ukraine of Supermarket Strike in Donetsk, Two Dead

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Russia Accuses Ukraine of Supermarket Strike in Donetsk, Two Dead

Russia accused Ukraine on Friday of launching a missile strike on a supermarket in Donetsk, a Russian-controlled city in eastern Ukraine, claiming the attack killed two civilians and injured two others. 

Russian investigators told state news agency RIA that a U.S.-supplied HIMARS missile was likely used in the strike. Ukraine has not commented on the allegation, and Reuters could not independently verify the claims. 

Unverified photos shared on social media showed a charred car outside a heavily damaged, circular two-story building surrounded by debris. Dashcam footage from a nearby vehicle appeared to capture the moment of the strike, showing a massive explosion and flames engulfing the supermarket, identified as Moloko (Milk). 

Reuters confirmed the location based on identifiable nearby landmarks matching satellite and street-view imagery. The footage’s time stamp verified the date of the incident. 

Officials Blame Ukrainian Forces

Denis Pushilin, a senior Russian-backed official in the region, accused Ukrainian forces of targeting the supermarket during the morning rush hour. Russia’s TASS news agency reported that nearby buildings and approximately 15 vehicles were also damaged in the attack. 

Pushilin added on his Telegram channel that another strike allegedly carried out by Ukrainian forces hit an apartment building in Svitlodarsk, also in the Donetsk region. The attack reportedly killed one woman and wounded four others. 

The incident adds to the ongoing tension in eastern Ukraine, where clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces have intensified. Russia has consistently accused Ukraine of targeting civilian areas, while Ukraine denies such claims, accusing Russia of using civilian locations for military purposes. 

reuters

Trump To Be Sentenced in Hush Money Case Before White House Return, Loses Supreme Court Intervention

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Trump To Be Sentenced in Hush Money Case Before White House Return, Loses Supreme Court Intervention

In a historic moment, President-elect Donald Trump will be sentenced Friday for his conviction in a New York hush money case, marking the first time a president-elect faces sentencing for a felony. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene, allowing the Manhattan proceeding to move forward.

Judge Juan M. Merchan is expected to impose an unconditional discharge — a no-penalty sentence involving no jail time, probation, or fines. Prosecutors have not opposed the decision. This unique legal outcome reflects efforts to avoid constitutional complications during Trump’s presidency, which begins in 10 days.

Despite the expected leniency, Trump, 77, will become the first individual convicted of a felony to assume the presidency. He is anticipated to appear via video from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where he may address the court. Trump has consistently labeled the case a politically motivated “fake prosecution.”

The case stems from allegations that Trump falsified business records to cover up a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign. Prosecutors argued the payment was intended to silence Daniels about an alleged affair, which Trump denies. 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office asserted that Trump’s actions undermined the electoral process and New York’s financial integrity. Trump, however, maintains the payment was a personal matter to protect his family, not a campaign tactic. 

“This is a fake, made-up charge,” Trump wrote last week on Truth Social. 

Prosecutors allege that Daniels was paid through Trump’s then-attorney Michael Cohen, with reimbursements falsely recorded as legal expenses. Trump’s defense contends the records accurately reflected the transactions, dismissing allegations of misconduct. 

Trump’s legal team has fought to overturn the May conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records, filing appeals and motions to delay sentencing. Their arguments have focused on presidential immunity and constitutional concerns, including a July Supreme Court decision granting former presidents significant immunity. 

The Supreme Court rejected Trump’s final bid to delay sentencing in a narrow 5-4 ruling late Thursday. 

Judge Merchan, a Democrat, emphasized the need for “finality,” balancing respect for the jury’s verdict and public expectations that no one is above the law. 

While the hush money case is the only one of Trump’s four criminal indictments to reach trial, others have stalled or been dismissed. Federal cases involving classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election have been closed, while a Georgia election interference case remains unresolved after the removal of prosecutor Fani Willis.

Trump’s conviction underscores the intersection of legal accountability and political leadership as he prepares to return to the White House. 

Los Angeles Wildfires Claim 10 Lives, Destroy Thousands of Homes

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Los Angeles Wildfires Claim 10 Lives, Destroy Thousands of Homes

Wildfires raging across Los Angeles County have claimed at least 10 lives and destroyed nearly 10,000 structures, officials said Thursday, as five separate blazes continued to burn through a third night, fueled by strong desert winds.

The Palisades Fire, situated between Santa Monica and Malibu, and the Eaton Fire near Pasadena are among the most destructive in the city’s history. Together, the fires have scorched over 34,000 acres (13,750 hectares), turning entire neighborhoods into ash.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed late Thursday that the death toll had risen to 10, while Sheriff Robert Luna said he expected the numbers to climb. 

“It looks like an atomic bomb dropped in these areas. I don’t expect good news,” Luna told reporters.

AccuWeather has estimated the damage and economic losses at $135 billion to $150 billion, signaling a lengthy recovery period and potentially soaring homeowners’ insurance rates. Southern California Edison reported receiving notices from insurers to preserve evidence related to the Eaton Fire, though fire agencies have not linked the utility to the blaze.

Mayor Karen Bass pledged to “aggressively rebuild” Los Angeles amid criticism from President-elect Donald Trump and other Republicans about her handling of the disaster.

President Joe Biden declared a major disaster on Tuesday and vowed Thursday that the federal government would cover 100% of recovery costs for the next 180 days. This includes funding for debris removal, temporary shelters, and first responder salaries.

“Spare no expense to do what’s necessary to contain these fires,” Biden said.

In total, five fires are burning across Los Angeles County. The Palisades Fire is only 6% contained, while the Eaton Fire remains completely uncontained. Firefighting aircraft, including a Super Scooper on loan from Canada, have been deployed, although one aircraft was grounded after a collision with an unauthorized drone near the Palisades blaze. No injuries were reported.

A new fire erupted Thursday near Calabasas, home to many celebrities and gated communities. The so-called Kenneth Fire rapidly expanded to 960 acres (388 hectares) within hours.

Authorities accidentally issued a countywide evacuation alert intended only for those near the Kenneth Fire. A corrected notification was promptly sent to Los Angeles County’s 9.6 million residents.

The Eaton Fire has damaged or destroyed up to 5,000 structures, while the Palisades Fire has affected an additional 5,300. Pacific Palisades residents returning to the burned areas found little left standing. 

“We are alive. That’s all that matters,” said private security guard Bilal Tukhi, standing near his employer’s charred home. 

Schools remained closed Friday due to hazardous air conditions, officials said, while intensified winds overnight extended red-flag warnings into Friday afternoon.

Some residents expressed concerns that government aid might prioritize high-profile areas like Pacific Palisades over less affluent communities.

“They’re not going to give you the value of your house … you have to fight for it,” said Kay Young, 63, standing before the rubble of a home passed down through her family for generations.

The Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills was fully contained after threatening the iconic Walk of Fame on Wednesday night. However, Pacific Palisades remains littered with downed power lines and destroyed vehicles.

Actor Jamie Lee Curtis announced her family would donate $1 million to wildfire relief efforts. Chef Jose Andres also set up food trucks near Pacific Coast Highway to provide meals for residents and first responders.

Canada has sent additional firefighting personnel and equipment to aid California. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “To our American neighbors: Canada is here to help.”

REUTERS

Lebanon’s Army Chief Elected President, Marking Shifts in Regional Power Dynamics

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Lebanon’s Army Chief Elected President, Marking Shifts in Regional Power Dynamics

Lebanon’s parliament elected Army Chief Joseph Aoun as the country’s new president on Thursday, ending a long political deadlock and signaling shifts in Lebanon’s internal power dynamics and broader Middle East geopolitics.

Aoun’s election marks a significant moment in Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing system, where the presidency is reserved for a Maronite Christian. His election, which received U.S. approval, comes after a yearlong vacancy in the presidency, following the end of Michel Aoun’s term in October 2022. The vacancy had left the country without a head of state, as divided factions struggled to agree on a suitable candidate.

The result also highlights the diminishing influence of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shi’ite militant group that has played a dominant role in Lebanon for years. The militant group, badly weakened by last year’s war with Israel, saw its long-time preferred candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, withdraw his bid and endorse Aoun. This shift comes as Hezbollah’s Syrian ally, President Bashar al-Assad, also saw a setback with his ousting in December.

Joseph Aoun, 60, was elected after receiving 99 votes in the second round, surpassing the required 86 votes, according to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement, backed Aoun, securing his election. Aoun’s momentum increased following the withdrawal of Frangieh, who had been Hezbollah’s favored choice. French and Saudi envoys worked behind the scenes in Beirut, meeting with Lebanese politicians to push for Aoun’s election.

Sources close to Saudi Arabia’s royal court revealed that international financial support for Lebanon, including from Saudi Arabia, was contingent on Aoun’s election. “There is a very clear message from the international community that they are ready to support Lebanon, but that needs a president, a government,” said Michel Mouawad, a Christian lawmaker opposed to Hezbollah.

Aoun’s election is seen as a crucial step in revitalizing Lebanon’s government institutions, which have been at a standstill without a functioning president or cabinet. Lebanon’s dire economic situation, exacerbated by a financial collapse in 2019 and the costs of recent conflicts, requires substantial international aid to rebuild. The World Bank estimates the recent war in Lebanon cost the country $8.5 billion.

The next step will be for Aoun to begin consultations with lawmakers to nominate a Sunni Muslim prime minister to form a new government. However, Lebanon’s complex political system means this process can take time, with various factions bargaining over ministerial posts.

As president, Aoun also plays a key role in maintaining the fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, brokered by the U.S. and France in November. The agreement requires Lebanese forces to deploy in southern Lebanon as Israeli and Hezbollah forces withdraw.

Aoun has led the U.S.-backed Lebanese Army since 2017, overseeing continued American aid to strengthen Lebanon’s state institutions. The U.S. has long sought to bolster Lebanon’s military as a counterbalance to Hezbollah’s growing influence in the country.

The outcome of Aoun’s election signals a shift in Lebanon’s political landscape and a potential new phase in the country’s relations with both regional powers and the international community.

Israeli Hostage’s Body Found in Gaza, Possible Discovery of Son’s Remains

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Israeli Hostage’s Body Found in Gaza, Possible Discovery of Son’s Remains

The Israeli military announced Wednesday that soldiers recovered the body of Yosef AlZayadni, a 53-year-old hostage, in an underground tunnel in southern Gaza. The army is now working to determine if another set of remains belongs to AlZayadni’s son, Hamzah, who had been held captive with him.

The discovery marks a tragic development as Israel and Hamas approach a potential ceasefire agreement that could see the release of the remaining hostages and halt the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While Israel estimates that about a third of the 100 remaining hostages have died, officials are concerned that as many as half could have perished.

Before Wednesday’s announcement, Yosef and his 23-year-old son, Hamzah, were thought to still be alive. The news could increase pressure on Israel to finalize a ceasefire deal.

The military also shared that evidence found in the tunnel raised “serious concerns” for Hamzah’s fate, suggesting that he may have died while in captivity. Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesperson, confirmed that the circumstances of Yosef’s death are under investigation.

Yosef AlZayadni, who had worked at a dairy farm in a kibbutz for 17 years, was among 250 hostages taken when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel in October 2023, killing 1,200 people. His teenage children, Bilal and Aisha, were released in a ceasefire deal last November, but Yosef and Hamzah had remained in captivity.

The Hostages Families Forum, a group representing families of the captives, expressed frustration that the ceasefire deal being negotiated had come too late for Yosef, who “should have been returned alive.” The group also emphasized the mortal danger hostages face every day in captivity, a sentiment echoed by public protests in Israel demanding a deal to secure their release.

AlZayadni’s name was included on a list of 34 hostages provided by a Hamas official to The Associated Press, but Israel said this was a list it submitted to mediators in July, with no confirmation from Hamas.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Wednesday that a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas is “very close,” expressing hope for an agreement before the shift of U.S. diplomacy to President-elect Donald Trump’s administration later this month.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed his sorrow over AlZayadni’s death, saying he had worked tirelessly to bring the family members back from captivity. Defense Minister Israel Katz had initially reported that both Yosef and Hamzah’s bodies were found, but later clarified that some remains were still unidentified.

The AlZayadni family, members of Israel’s Bedouin community, had long faced challenges in Israel’s Palestinian minority, which comprises about 20% of the country’s population. The family’s hometown of Rahat, where many Bedouins live, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. Talal Alkernawi, the mayor of Rahat, said, “We expected to bring them back alive…instead we receive them dead.”

Meanwhile, the ongoing war in Gaza continues to inflict heavy tolls. Israeli airstrikes killed at least nine people in Gaza, including three infants, according to Palestinian health officials. The conflict has claimed over 45,800 Palestinian lives, with women and children constituting over half of the casualties.

Israel’s military has responded by targeting Hamas militants, claiming to have killed over 17,000 fighters, though no evidence has been provided. The fighting has led to widespread destruction in Gaza, displacing about 90% of its 2.3 million residents.

The broader Middle East remains tense, with tensions escalating between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen who have ramped up missile attacks on Israel. On Wednesday, the U.S. military conducted a series of strikes against underground arms facilities held by the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Source: AP

Hollywood Celebrities Lose Homes as Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles

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Hollywood Celebrities Lose Homes as Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles

A series of out-of-control wildfires swept through some of the most luxurious neighborhoods in Los Angeles, devastating homes of numerous celebrities, including Billy Crystal, Paris Hilton, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Veteran actor Billy Crystal, who had lived in Pacific Palisades since 1979, confirmed he lost his family home in the destructive fire. The $6.5 million property of *Gossip Girl* star Leighton Meester and *The O.C.* actor Adam Brody also went up in flames.

Crystal, known for hosting the Oscars, shared his heartbreak in a statement: “We are devastated to lose the house where we raised our children and grandchildren, but with the love of our friends and family, we will get through this.”

Hilton, the reality TV star, watched in disbelief as her Malibu beachfront mansion was consumed by flames. “Watching our home burn to the ground on live TV is a heartbreak no one should experience,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Other stars, including Jamie Lee Curtis, James Woods, Mandy Moore, Mark Hamill, and Maria Shriver, were forced to evacuate their homes as fires ravaged the upscale area. Shriver, a journalist and former California first lady, expressed her sorrow over the widespread destruction, saying, “Our neighborhood, our restaurants — everything is gone.”

The largest wildfire, which consumed nearly 12,000 acres in Pacific Palisades, sparked evacuations as it approached some of Los Angeles’ most iconic real estate. As flames engulfed homes, some residents recounted the chaos. Woods, a two-time Oscar nominee, tearfully recalled fleeing his Pacific Palisades home. “One day you’re swimming in the pool, and the next it’s all gone,” he said.

The fires, which began near the Hollywood Hills, burned through landmarks like the Walk of Fame and were dangerously close to the famed Hollywood Sign.

The crisis has left many in the area devastated, with residents banding together in the wake of the loss. As emergency crews continue to battle the massive blaze, the damage to both homes and community infrastructure remains significant.

Russian Missile Strike in Ukraine: 13 Civilians Dead in Zaporizhzhia Attack

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Russian Missile Strike in Ukraine: 13 Civilians Dead in Zaporizhzhia Attack

A devastating Russian missile attack struck the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia on Wednesday, killing at least 13 civilians and leaving approximately 30 others wounded in what officials describe as another assault on civilian areas. The attack, which occurred in broad daylight, targeted residential buildings with high-speed missiles and glide bombs, according to regional Governor Ivan Fedorov.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared footage on his Telegram channel showing the grim aftermath: civilians receiving emergency treatment amidst debris-strewn streets. “There is nothing more brutal than aerial bombing of a city, knowing that ordinary civilians will suffer,” Zelenskyy stated. In response to the tragedy, Governor Fedorov has declared Thursday a day of mourning.

The incident occurs against a backdrop of broader military developments. Earlier that day, Ukraine’s military claimed a successful strike on a Russian fuel storage depot near Engels in the Saratov region, approximately 600 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The targeted facility reportedly supplies a key Russian air base used for missile launches against Ukraine. Russian officials acknowledged the drone attack and reported damage to an industrial plant, though they claimed no casualties.

This latest exchange highlights Ukraine’s growing capability to strike deep within Russian territory, with Zelenskyy previously announcing weapons that could reach targets up to 700 kilometers away. Some Ukrainian drone attacks have even reached distances exceeding 1,000 kilometers, disrupting Russian logistics and challenging Kremlin defenses.

The ongoing conflict, now approaching its third year, has claimed thousands of civilian lives in what has become Europe’s largest military engagement since World War II. In response to these developments, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s need for robust security guarantees, particularly addressing recent discussions about Ukraine’s potential NATO membership. He noted that several nations, including the United States, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia, have hesitated to support immediate NATO membership, though the alliance maintains that Ukraine remains on an “irreversible path” to joining.

The impact of these events has prompted Russian authorities to restrict flights at several airports, including Saratov, Ulyanovsk, Kazan, and Nizhnekamsk, underscoring the growing reach and effectiveness of Ukraine’s military capabilities.

Greenland Leader Meets Danish King Amid U.S. Control Talks 

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Greenland Leader Meets Danish King Amid U.S. Control Talks 

Greenland’s leader met with Denmark’s King Frederik in Copenhagen on Wednesday, following statements by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump expressing interest in taking control of the Arctic island, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark. 

Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede

Trump, who will assume office on January 20, said Tuesday he would not rule out military or economic actions to make Greenland part of the United States. On the same day, his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., made a private visit to Greenland. 

Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede, head of a left-wing political party supporting future independence from Denmark, arrived in Copenhagen late Tuesday on a previously scheduled trip. 

The Danish royal court confirmed that a meeting with King Frederik, initially postponed without explanation, would take place as planned. 

Greenland, with a population of 57,000, has been part of Denmark for 600 years. The island now governs most of its domestic affairs under a semi-sovereign arrangement. However, tensions have risen recently over allegations of colonial-era mistreatment of Greenlanders. 

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Tuesday she could not envision Trump’s ambitions leading to U.S. military involvement in Greenland. Denmark, which is responsible for Greenland’s security and defense, has limited resources in the region, including four inspection vessels, a Challenger surveillance aircraft, and dog sled patrols. 

FILE PHOTO: Snow covered mountains rise above the harbour and town of Tasiilaq, Greenland, June 15, 2018. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo

Trump’s remarks have also included the threat of tariffs against Denmark, a move Frederiksen said would harm relations. She emphasized that a trade war is not the way forward. Denmark is home to Novo Nordisk, Europe’s most valuable company, known for producing Wegovy, a popular weight-loss medication in the United States. 

Greenland has reiterated that the territory is not for sale. Prime Minister Egede, in his New Year speech, renewed calls for eventual independence. Denmark has maintained that Greenland’s future lies in the hands of its people.  In 2019, Trump canceled a planned visit to Denmark after Frederiksen rejected his suggestion that the United States purchase Greenland.

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