Trump jokes about adding Greenland, Canada and Venezuela to US at elite dinner

The outlet reports that Trump, speaking before an audience of politicians, business leaders, and members of the elite, made a series of controversial jokes that drew attention from both allies and critics.

Among them, Trump jokingly said he planned to “buy” Greenland and turn it into the 52nd US state.

“We’re not going to invade Greenland. We’re going to buy it,” he said.

“It’s never been my intention to make Greenland the 51st state. I want to make Canada the 51st state. Greenland will be the 52nd state. Venezuela can be 53rd,” the US president joked.

The remarks drew a mixed reaction in the room — some attendees laughed, but overall the audience fell silent, with noticeable pauses, highlighting how awkward the statements sounded to an influential crowd.

This is not the first time Trump has used exaggerated rhetoric on territorial issues. He has previously expressed interest in Greenland and joked about Canada’s status, though he has never taken any concrete steps in that direction.

In addition, the White House head made a number of his trademark jokes about political opponents and commented on a supposed plan to sue the newly appointed Federal Reserve chair, later adding that this, too, was said in jest.

The event took place amid a tense political climate in the US. Over the past week, the Trump administration has faced criticism over the arrest of a journalist, the release of millions of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, and other highly sensitive political and social issues.

On February 1, Trump claimed that a framework agreement for the US purchase of Greenland was close to finalization. However, Greenland’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Naaja Nathanielsen, effectively denied the White House’s claims, saying no such deal exists and that dialogue must come first.

On January 20, Trump posted an image on social media showing Greenland, Canada, and Venezuela colored in with the US flag.