The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently 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 not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
