The recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 remarked.
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 global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful 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 overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
