The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position 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 stated.
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."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
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."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
