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 allegedly set their sights on the vast island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role 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 wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified 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 shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
