Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 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."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint 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 residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst 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 deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
