The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now 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 do anything about it," she observed.
