The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
