The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of 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 remarked.
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."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
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 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 territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
