The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions 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, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 remarked.
He described 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 Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
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."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible 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 do anything about it," she concluded.
