The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
