Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition in the polar region. "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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
