Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island 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 appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, 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, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
