Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’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 Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
