Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable 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 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern 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 overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
