Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
