The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly 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 military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 "tiny 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 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 "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
