The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
