Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 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 global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
