Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern 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 picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
