Recent American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
