Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
