Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst 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 deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
