The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power competition 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 remarked.
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 global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
