Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally 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 notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position 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 remarked.
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."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
