The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
