Recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
