Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented 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."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
