The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 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 global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst 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 deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
