Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
