Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
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 vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted 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 observed.
