Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
