Recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
