The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
