The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
