Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 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 global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction 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 delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
