Recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global competition 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" 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 both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
