Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
