The recent American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "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 island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
