The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
