The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global competition in the Arctic. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
