The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
