The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 "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 Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
