The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers 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."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
