The latest American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
