The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
