The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
