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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Rhetoric Without A Clear Plan
- The Trump administration publicly backed Iranian protesters while offering vague promises like “help is on the way.”
- That rhetoric risks escalation without clear policy on what U.S. involvement would actually look like.
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.
Greenland Obsession Seems Like Conquest
- The U.S. appears intent on acquiring Greenland despite clear Danish and Greenlander opposition.
- Ben Rhodes frames this as a conquest-driven legacy play rather than a defensible national security need.