Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
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."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
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 must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing 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 inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
