What A Day Iran, Greenland, And Trump's Ego
Jan 14, 2026
Ben Rhodes, former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor and co-host of Pod Save the World, dives into the escalating protests in Iran, explaining the U.S. government's ambiguous support for activists. He also discusses Greenland's firm rejection of U.S. annexation attempts under Trump, analyzing the motivations behind these ambitions, including legacy and resource exploitation. Rhodes elaborates on potential U.S. actions in Iran, the power dynamics at play, and the implications for international relations, particularly concerning Russia and China.
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Greenlanders Rejected U.S. Ownership
- Ben Rhodes recounts that Greenlanders and Danes have clearly told the U.S. they do not want American ownership.
- He warns that U.S. officials like J.D. Vance seem determined to push despite that resistance.
Allied Access Undercuts Annexation Claims
- Denmark and Greenland both reject U.S. control and offer existing security arrangements via NATO.
- Greenland isn’t strategically inaccessible; existing alliances already provide necessary military access.
Pursue Diplomacy Over Territory
- Avoid treating Greenland like a colonial prize and pursue transparent diplomacy with Denmark and Greenlanders.
- Use allied arrangements and bases instead of unilateral territorial ambitions to secure Arctic interests.