The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions 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, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
