The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "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 complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
