Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration'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 viewed as vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 remarked.
He described 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."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered 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 nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
