The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 stated.
He characterized 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."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
