The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders 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."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy 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.
