The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy 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 the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 stated.
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 global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
