Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, 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 commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during 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 described Greenland as having a "very small 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 response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
