The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted 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 few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
