Recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
