The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 remarked.
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 Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
