The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
