Recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 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 international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers 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 picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
