The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 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 global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
