Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
