The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 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 Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued 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 nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
