The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global competition 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 cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
