The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US 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 ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
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, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global competition 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
