The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry 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 characterized 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 Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
