Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
