The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
