The recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 stated.
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 global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
