The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
