Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to 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 military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power rivalry in the Arctic. "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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
