The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
