The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power competition 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
