Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish 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 stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
