Recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global rivalry 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
