The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station 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.
