Author Elizabeth Graham Warns Trump's Greenland Ambitions Threaten Transatlantic Relations

Elizabeth Graham, a bestselling author with expertise on U.S.-Russia relations, contends that former President Donald Trump's proposal regarding Greenland has created unprecedented tension in transatlantic relations. In a recent Substack post titled 'Deception At Davos,' Graham analyzes Trump's appearance at the World Economic Forum where he discussed his promise to "take Greenland by force if necessary." While Trump later stated "I will not use force to take Greenland," Graham warns that Europeans may not recognize the deceptive nature of such statements, having had less exposure to Trump's misleading rhetoric than Americans.

Graham draws parallels between Trump's approach to Greenland and his previous actions regarding Venezuela, noting that Trump announced he would manage Venezuela and control its gas and oil industry after justifying intervention with misleading claims about drug trafficking. According to The New York Times reporting from January 8, 2026, the "primary mode of trafficking drugs to the United States from Venezuela is by air - not by boats," contradicting Trump's justification for naval actions. Graham suggests Trump is employing similar deceptive tactics regarding Greenland, where he claims control is necessary for U.S. security while actually seeking the territory's abundant untapped rare minerals.

Greenland possesses rare earth elements critical for manufacturing magnets used in aircraft engines, electric cars, trains, and advanced technical equipment. As Graham notes, "China dominates the global rare earth magnet market, controlling most processing and manufacturing, which gives it significant leverage in high-tech industries like EVs, wind turbines, plane engines, and defense" according to Wikipedia. After Trump implemented tariffs on Chinese goods, China tightened export controls on rare earth elements, making alternative supply chains strategically important. Graham argues Trump seeks to build these alternative supply chains by controlling Greenland while avoiding open discussion of this economic motivation.

The author further warns that Trump will not stop at Venezuela and Greenland, suggesting he will pursue additional territorial gains through misleading promises. She compares his behavior to historical authoritarian land grabs, specifically referencing Hitler's expansionism in the 1930s and 1940s. Graham emphasizes that Europe must prevent Trump from gaining control of Greenland to avoid setting dangerous precedents. Her analysis is informed by decades of experience studying Russia and living under communist systems, providing her with firsthand understanding of authoritarian tactics.

Graham's warnings extend beyond territorial ambitions to broader consequences of Trump's policies. She references NPR reporting from July 1, 2025, suggesting Trump's closure of USAID contributed to devastating outcomes in Africa, though she provides limited context for these claims. The author also cites PBS reporting that "Trump and his family has received $1.4 Billion dollars due to his presidency in 2025," suggesting financial motivations behind his actions. Graham characterizes Trump as constantly searching for new ways to accumulate wealth for himself and his family while employing deceptive rhetoric that masks his true intentions.

More information about Graham's perspective is available through her Substack at https://substack.com/@elizabethgraham and her book 'From Democracy To Democrazy: A Warning To All Americans' available at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elizabeth-Graham/author/B0CMY189NT. Graham has announced an upcoming 2026 book titled 'Survival: Democracy's Struggle To Survive' featuring contributions from various authors analyzing contemporary political challenges. Her analysis presents Trump's Greenland ambitions as part of a pattern of deception with potentially severe consequences for international stability and democratic norms.