The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action 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 repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing 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 couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
