The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power 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 stated.
He characterized 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 Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
